Effects of steriod hormones on human fibroblasts in vitro. II. Antagonism by androgens of cortisol-induced inhibition

Ann Rheum Dis. 1976 Apr;35(2):148-51. doi: 10.1136/ard.35.2.148.

Abstract

Inhibition of dermal activity by cortisol in culture was partially reversed by two naturally occurring androgens, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. ACTH and the androgen precursor dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate showed not such antagonistic effect. These results suggest that increased production of adrenal androgens during ACTH therapy may account for the relative absnece of 'skin-thinning' and 'steroid-bruising' which are common side-effects of corticosteroid therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / pharmacology
  • Cell Division / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • DNA / biosynthesis
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone / pharmacology
  • Dihydrotestosterone / pharmacology*
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Protein Biosynthesis
  • Skin / drug effects
  • Testosterone / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Dihydrotestosterone
  • Testosterone
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • DNA
  • Hydrocortisone