Androgens + Endocrine Regulation

Androgens

Relatives of testosterone with similar actions varying at the receptor

Testosterone and DHT

Primary androgens in males - (2)

Androstenedione and DHEA

Primary androgens in females - (2)

Theca, granulosa, females

Androgens in females

• Androgens are made by __ cells then transported to __ cells for conversion into estrogens

• __ (M/F) manifest symptoms more severe as androgens are more important to their physiology if present/absent

Endogenous testosterone, FSH, LH

Steroid Abuse in Body Builders

• Using exogenous testosterone may lead to Low __ __, low __ and low __

FSH

Stimulates spermatogenesis in sertoli cells

Inhibin, FSH

• Sertoli cells secrete __ when spermatogenesis increases

• Stops __ release from anterior pituitary

LH

Stimulates testosterone production by leydig cells

Testosterone

Hormone that can inhibit LH, FSH, and GnRH secretion

Androgen, adrenals, androstenedione, DHEA, 5-alpha reductase

Testosterone formation

• Pathway similar to __ formation in __

• However, __ and __ progress on to testosterone due to specific enzymes in testes

• In many target tissues, testosterone is converted to DHT by __ (enzyme)

DHT

Hormone necessary to normal development of external male genitalia and secondary sex characteristics

5-alpha reductase inhibitors

If DHT is primary signal for prostate growth, what drug category could be used to treat BPH?

Aromatase

Converts testosterone or androstenedione into estrogen

Granulosa, testes, fat

Aromatase

• Located in __ cells in females more

• Present in smaller amounts in __ and __ cells

Testosterone, aromatase, gynecomastia

Increased levels of __ or increased __ can lead to increased estrogens

• Clinical Outcome for men - __

Male genitalia, puberty, secondary male

Androgen Actions

• Fetal development of internal and external __ __

• __

• __ __ sex characteristics

Protein, muscle, bone, basal metabolic, RBC

Anabolic Effects of Testosterone

• Increased __ formation and __ growth

• __ growth

• Increased __ __ rate

• Increased __ production

Side Effects of Testosterone

Worsening male pattern baldness, acne, suppression of normal HPA gonadal axis

Performance enhancing drugs, doping

• PEDs are __ __ __

• Whereas __ is the use of banned substances

Testosterone, androstenedione, DHT, DHEA, synthetic drugs

Androgenic Steroids include - (5)

Cardiovascular Side Effects of Androgenic Steroids

Increased hemoglobin and HCT

Female Reproductive Side Effects of Androgenic Steroids

Hirsutism, acne, male baldness, deepening voice, clitoromegaly

Male Reproductive Side Effects of Androgenic Steroids

Hypogonadism, testicular atrophy, decreased sperm production

Both are elevated

What happens to LH and FSH levels after androgenic steroid use in males?

Gynecomastia, injection, prostate, closure, tendon

Androgenic Steroids Side Effects

• __ due to increased estrogens

• __-associated infections

• __ hypertrophy

• Early epiphyseal __ in adolescents, __ rupture

Androgens, conversion of testosterone to estrogen

• Anti-estrogen drugs and aromatase inhibitors are also abused

  • These increase ___

• Why may someone using high doses of testosterone take an aromatase inhibitor?

  • To prevent….

Growth Hormone Actions

Increased protein synthesis, fat release and storage

Erythropoietin Actions

Increased RBC production

RBC transfusions Actions

Increased hemoglobin content

2,3-BPG analog Actions

Right-shift of O2 dissociation curve

Glucocorticoid Actions

Suppress inflammation, enhance vascular response to catecholamines

Growth hormone Adverse Effects/Risks

Elevated glucose levels, cardiovascular disorders, acromegaly

Insulin Adverse Effects/Risks

Hypoglycemia

Erythropoetin Adverse Effects/Risks

Increased blood viscosity can decrease flow, and ischemia

RBC transfusion Adverse Effects/Risks

Bad reactions and infections

Glucorcorticoid Adverse Effects/Risks

Adrenal suppression and cushing syndrome