The effect of DHEA given chronically to Zucker rats

Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine
F SvecJ R Porter

Abstract

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has been reported to exert antiglucocorticoid activity. When administered to obese, hypercorticosteronemic Zucker rats, it causes a diminution of food intake and a reduction in their rate of weight gain. This experiment was conducted to evaluate whether this biologic effect could be ascribed to chronic adrenal insufficiency. Obese and lean Zucker rats were treated with DHEA as a food supplement for 28 days. Upon sacrifice, organ weights and serum chemistries were measured, along with neurotransmitter levels in regions of the hypothalamus. Results showed that although the obese animals gained weight more slowly, had lower insulin levels, and ate less, their serum glucose, corticosterone, and ACTH levels were not different from control. Hypothalamic neurotransmitters in the obese rat were unaffected by chronic DHEA treatment. We concluded that, although DHEA clearly affects Zucker weight gain, it does not induce chronic adrenal insufficiency.

Citations

Oct 29, 2003·Experimental Gerontology·Michael P MuehlenbeinLeann Myers
Apr 1, 1997·Physiology & Behavior·K R HargraveJ R Porter
Jun 18, 2002·La Revue de médecine interne·J L SchliengerB Goichot
Jul 1, 1997·Baillière's Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·F Svec
Mar 17, 2000·Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine·R J RichardsF Svec
Dec 10, 2008·Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology·Nicole ManingerSynthia H Mellon
May 17, 2008·The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·Juana SánchezAndreu Palou
Dec 29, 2000·Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology : Organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS)·L M Klevay, D M Christopherson
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Oct 26, 1999·Gynecological Endocrinology : the Official Journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology·G Bednarek-TupikowskaA Milewicz
Jan 1, 1998·Nutritional Neuroscience·F SvecJ R Porter

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