Neuroimmunoregulation of androgens in the adrenal gland and the skin

Citation
S. Alesci et Sr. Bornstein, Neuroimmunoregulation of androgens in the adrenal gland and the skin, HORMONE RES, 54(5-6), 2000, pp. 281-286
Citations number
83
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Endocrinology, Nutrition & Metabolism
Journal title
HORMONE RESEARCH
ISSN journal
0301-0163 → ACNP
Volume
54
Issue
5-6
Year of publication
2000
Pages
281 - 286
Database
ISI
SICI code
0301-0163(2000)54:5-6<281:NOAITA>2.0.ZU;2-G
Abstract
Human adrenals produce large quantities of androgens, especially DHEA which is the most abundant circulating hormone in the human body. Adrenal androg ens are regulated by several factors, including pituitary ACTH and an intri cate intraadrenal network involving immune cells, cytokines and neuroendocr ine factors. The skin is a major target of androgens and androgen receptors are expressed in the epidermis, dermis, sebaceous glands and hair. In addi tion, the skin has the capacity to metabolize androgens into more powerful compounds. Similar to the adrenal gland, there is an intradermal neuroimmun e network involving the local expression of cytokines and neuropeptides. Dy sregulation of androgens in the adrenals and/or the skin is associated with acne, hirsutism and androgenic alopecia. Therefore, understanding the mech anisms of these intricate networks is of both basic and clinical relevance and may help to develop new strategies for the treatment of androgen-depend ent skin disorders. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.