Biomaterial Database

The endogenous concentration and subcellular distribution of androgens in normal human premenopausal endometrium, myometrium and vagina. 1988

C Vermeulen-Meiners, and J Poortman, and M Nabuurs, and J H Thijssen

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands.

The endogenous concentrations of testosterone (Testo), androstenedione (Adion), 5-androstene-3 beta, 17 beta-diol (Adiol), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA-sulfate (DHEAS) have been measured in endometrium, myometrium and vagina from 23 premenopausal women at different stages of the cycle. The tissue to plasma gradient was positive for all androgens except DHEAS; a significant correlation existed between plasma and tissue levels of Adiol and DHEAS. In all tissues significant correlations were calculated between Adiol and DHEA, Adion and Testo, and Adiol and DHEAS. Except for Testo, androgen concentrations were different in the tissues with a significant correlation between the tissues, each tissue seeming to be able to create its own specific intratissue androgen pattern. During the cycle Testo was highest in myometrium and vagina and Adion in myometrium and endometrium during the secretory phase. Except for DHEA, androgens were preferentially localized in the cytosol fraction of the cells. From this localization and the known inhibitory effects of androgens on the activity of estrogen metabolizing enzymes, it is postulated that androgens play a role in enzymatic rather than receptor-mediated processes in uterine cells.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008593	Menopause	The last menstrual period. Permanent cessation of menses (MENSTRUATION) is usually defined after 6 to 12 months of AMENORRHEA in a woman over 45 years of age. In the United States, menopause generally occurs in women between 48 and 55 years of age.	Change of Life, Female
D008875	Middle Aged	An adult aged 45 - 64 years.	Middle Age
D009215	Myometrium	The smooth muscle coat of the uterus, which forms the main mass of the organ.	Uterine Muscle,Muscle, Uterine,Muscles, Uterine,Uterine Muscles
D003600	Cytosol	Intracellular fluid from the cytoplasm after removal of ORGANELLES and other insoluble cytoplasmic components.	Cytosols
D003687	Dehydroepiandrosterone	A major C19 steroid produced by the ADRENAL CORTEX. It is also produced in small quantities in the TESTIS and the OVARY. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) can be converted to TESTOSTERONE; ANDROSTENEDIONE; ESTRADIOL; and ESTRONE. Most of DHEA is sulfated (DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE SULFATE) before secretion.	Dehydroisoandrosterone,Prasterone,5-Androsten-3-beta-hydroxy-17-one,5-Androsten-3-ol-17-one,Androstenolone,DHEA,Prasterone, 3 alpha-Isomer,5 Androsten 3 beta hydroxy 17 one,5 Androsten 3 ol 17 one,Prasterone, 3 alpha Isomer
D004717	Endometrium	The mucous membrane lining of the uterine cavity that is hormonally responsive during the MENSTRUAL CYCLE and PREGNANCY. The endometrium undergoes cyclic changes that characterize MENSTRUATION. After successful FERTILIZATION, it serves to sustain the developing embryo.	Endometria
D005260	Female		Females
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328	Adult	A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available.	Adults
D000728	Androgens	Compounds that interact with ANDROGEN RECEPTORS in target tissues to bring about the effects similar to those of TESTOSTERONE. Depending on the target tissues, androgenic effects can be on SEX DIFFERENTIATION; male reproductive organs, SPERMATOGENESIS; secondary male SEX CHARACTERISTICS; LIBIDO; development of muscle mass, strength, and power.	Androgen,Androgen Receptor Agonist,Androgen Effect,Androgen Effects,Androgen Receptor Agonists,Androgenic Agents,Androgenic Compounds,Agents, Androgenic,Agonist, Androgen Receptor,Agonists, Androgen Receptor,Compounds, Androgenic,Effect, Androgen,Effects, Androgen,Receptor Agonist, Androgen,Receptor Agonists, Androgen