Simultaneous Radioimmunoassay of Androstenedione, Dehydroepiandrosterone and 11-Beta-Hydroxyandrostenedione in Plasma

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Abstract
A simultaneous radioimmunoassay for Δ4-androstenedione (Δ4), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) and 11 β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11βOHΔ4) in plasma is described. This involved preparing first an anti-11β-hydroxyandrostenedione-3-0-carboxymethyl oxime/BSA antiserum which binds both Δ4 and 11βOHΔ4, and an anti-dehydroepiandrosterone-7–0-carboxymethyl oxime/BSA antiserum. A chromatographic step using celite minicolumns separates these three steroids. The method was applied to the measurement of the plasma basal values of these three androgens in control subjects. Mean concentrations (ng/ml) of Δ4, DHA and 11βOHΔ4 were respectively 1.35, 6.63 and 3.13 in males; 1.35, 6.65 and 2.59 in premenopausal females; 0.46, 1.53 and 1.38 in post-menopausal females, and 0.39, 0.73 and 1.78 in children 1–6 years of age. Dynamic tests were also carried out: ACTH stimulation was found to increase Δ4, DHA and 11βOHΔ4. Dexamethasone had a reverse effect causing a 50% diminution in Δ4 levels, a marked decrease in DHA levels, and a 90% decrease in 11βOHΔ4 levels. Metyrapone test was found to produce a 223 % increase in Δ4 levels, a 196 % increase in DHA levels, and a decrease of more than 90% in the 11βOHΔ4 levels. Estroprogestative drug treatment was accompanied by a decrease of not only Δ4, but also of DHA and 11βOHΔ4. Preliminary clinical results concerning these steroids show a parallel increase or decrease of Δ4 and 11βOHΔ4 in adrenal pathology. In ovarian hyperandrogeny, Δ4 is increased and 11βOHΔ4 is unchanged.

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