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.