dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-SO4)
Introduction
DHEA-SO4 is derived largely from the adrenals (95% in males/100% in females). Some may be produced by the testes. None is produced by the ovaries. Within the adrenals DHEA & its sulfate are produced by the zona fasciculata & zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex. Adrenal production is regulated by ACTH.
DHEA-SO4 is weakly androgenic, but is metabolized in peripheral tissues to testosterone & dihydrotestosterone. Plasma levels of DHEA-SO4 are 1000 times that of DHEA & 10 times that of cortisol. Unlike DHEA, DHEA sulfate does NOT exhibit diurnal variation. Unlike testosterone. DHEA-SO4 does NOT circulate bound to sex hormone binding globulin.
DHEA-sulfate serum levels decline progressively with aging in cross-sectional studies. However interindividual variability in serum DHEA-sulfate levels is much larger than any age-related change.
DHEA-sulfate levels are increased with hyperthyroidism & decreased with hypothyroidism.[3]
More general terms
Additional terms
References
- ↑ Mayo Internal Medicine Board Review, 1998-99, Prakash UBS (ed) Lippincott-Raven, Philadelphia, 1998, pg 243
- ↑ Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests, 3rd ed. Teitz ed., W.B. Saunders, 1995
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Solomon DH, in: UCLA Intensive Course in Geriatric Medicine & Board Review, Marina Del Ray, CA, Sept 12-15, 2001