Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone on central and peripheral levels of allopregnanolone and ß-endorphin

Objective: To evaluate the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) oral administration on neuroendocrine function by investigating the modulation exerted by DHEA administration on allopregnanolone and beta-endorphin (beta-EP) central and peripheral levels in ovariectomized rats. Design: Prospective study. Setting(s): Experimental research environment. Intervention(s): Forty rats were ovariectomized and received an oral treatment with either placebo or 0.5, 1, or 2 mg/k-g/day of DHEA. After euthanization, beta-EP levels were measured in hippocampus, hypothalamus, anterior pituitary. neurointermediate pituitary, and plasma. Allopregnanolone and DHEAS levels were measured in hippocampus, hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, adrenal glands, and serum. Serum E-2 concentration was also measured. Main Outcome Measure(s): Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate ester (DHEAS), E-2, beta-EP, and allopregnanolone levels. Result(s): Dehydroepiandrosteronc administration increased DHEAS content in all organs and serum, except for anterior pituitary. where no significant changes occurred. DHEA administration in ovariectomized animals did not significantly increase E-2 circulating levels. DHEA administration induced an increase in allopregnanolone and beta-EP content in hippocampus, hypothalamus, and anterior pituitary and in serum or plasma. Conclusion(s): Dehydroepiandrosterone administration in ovariectomized animals increased allopregnanolone and beta-EP central and peripheral levels, which suggests that this compound may play a role as a neuroendocrine mediator. possibly substantiating the beneficial effects of postmenopausal DHEA therapy on the central nervous system.