Effects of Cyproterone Acetate on Adrenal Steroidogenesis in vitro

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Abstract
The effects of cyproterone acetate (CA) [an anti-androgen used in various clinical settings] on steroidogenesis in isolated guinea pig adrenal cells have been investigated by measuring the production of cortisol, its immediate precursors (11-deoxycortisol and 17-hydroxyprogesterone) and adrenal androgens (.DELTA.4-androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone). Used at a dose of 2 .mu.g/ml, CA provoked a sharp drop in the production of cortisol, aldosterone and 11-deoxycortisol. By contrast, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, .DELTA.4-androstenedione and dehydropiandrosterone were increased, which suggests that 21-hydroxylase activity is inhibited. With concentrations above 2 .mu.g/ml CA, it would seem to be the 3-.beta.-ol-dehydrogenase-.DELTA.4,5-isomerase complex that is affected, since dehydroepiandrosterone exhibited a sudden increase; 17-hydroxyprogesterone and .DELTA.4-androstenedione showed a relative decrease. The enzymatic system or systems involved therefore appear to be linked to the concentration of CA used but, whatever the case, the drop in cortisol production is accompanied by a decrease in aldosterone and an increase in adrenal androgen levels.