Plasma androgens during the luteal phase in a case of true hermaphroditism with bilateral ovotestis

J Steroid Biochem. 1985 May;22(5):631-4. doi: 10.1016/0022-4731(85)90216-x.

Abstract

A true hermaphrodite with a bilateral ovotestis and a 46 XX karyotype was studied. This 14-year old subject developed ambiguous puberty with bilateral gynecomastia and stage IV public hair. Relatively high level of testosterone (T) (2.80 ng/ml), was found. The 5 alpha-reductase activity for T in the pubic skin was similar to that observed in normal adult males. A hemorrhagic corpus luteum in the left ovotestis was observed at laparotomy. The luteal phase immediately after dexamethasone administration (1 mg/day for 7 days) was characterized by a significant decrease of plasma androgens, T and androstenedione (A). The constantly low level of T (0.30 ng/ml) during the luteal phase in this subject did not appear to be due to the previously administered dexamethasone. This decrease of T production in the luteal phase might be secondary either to the increase of the estradiol-17 beta (E2) secreted by the corpus luteum or to the decrease of LH levels. Both mechanisms might act concomitantly.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Androgens / blood*
  • Androstenedione / blood
  • Cosyntropin
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone / blood
  • Dexamethasone
  • Disorders of Sex Development / blood*
  • Disorders of Sex Development / pathology
  • Female
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / blood
  • Genitalia, Male / metabolism
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Karyotyping
  • Luteal Phase*
  • Luteinizing Hormone / blood
  • Male
  • Ovary / abnormalities
  • Radioimmunoassay
  • Testis / abnormalities
  • Testosterone / blood

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Cosyntropin
  • Testosterone
  • Androstenedione
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone
  • Dexamethasone
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone