Abstract
The adrenal is a major source of increased levels of serum DHA and DHASO4 seen in normal children approaching puberty. Factors controlling this "adrenarche" are little understood. Ten patients, 8 3/4 - 18½ years, 2F, 8M, 7 of whom had isolated hGH deficiency, were investigated. hGH (10 IU) was given intramuscularly on day 1; serum DHA and DHASO4 were measured by RIA at 3, 6, 24 and 48h. A second dose of hGH (10 IU) was given and further samples taken at 3, 6 and 24h. Basal levels of DHA and DHASO4 were consistent with pubertal status. Mean DHASO4 levels fell significantly by 24 - 48h after the first dose, with variable rises in DHA. A DHA peak was noted 3h after the first injection in the mature patients. Mean DHASO4 levels remained low after the 2nd dose, but DHA levels rose 24h later.
Conclusion: hGH may alter metabolism of DHASO4 by increasing steroid sulphatase activity directly or indirectly which enhances conversion of DHASO4 to DHA.
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Rudd, B., Rayner, P. & Bassett, R. Serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) and sulphate (DHASO4) levels after acute growth hormone (hGH) therapy. Pediatr Res 12, 1093 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197811000-00072
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197811000-00072