| Products | DHEA RIA Test |
| Company | Diagnostic Systems Laboratories, Inc. |
| Item | DHEA RIA Test |
| Features | |
| Description | Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is produced in the adrenal cortex and, to a lesser extent, the gonads [1,2,3]. DHEA serves as a precursor in testosterone and estrogen synthesis, and has relatively weak androgenic activity, estimated at ~10% that of testosterone [1]. However, in neonates, peripubertal children and in adult women, DHEA is an important androgen as circulating DHEA levels may be several-fold higher than testosterone concentrations, and rapid peripheral tissue conversion to more potent androgens (androstenedione and testosterone) and estrogens may occur. In addition, DHEA has a relatively low affinity for sex-hormone binding globulin. DHEA is rapidly cleared from the circulation compared to the sulfated conjugate, DHEA-S.
Measurement of serum DHEA is a useful marker of adrenal androgen synthesis. Abnormally low levels may occur in hypoadrenalism, while elevated levels occur in several conditions including virilizing adrenal adenoma and carcinoma, 21-hydroxylase and 3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiencies and in some cases of female hirsutism [3]. Because very little DHEA is produced by the gonads, measurement of DHEA levels may aid in the localization of androgen source in virilizing conditions.
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| Info | Diagnostic Systems Laboratories, Inc. Customer Service: (800) 231-7970 Web site: http://www.dslabs.com |