A Rapid Radioimmunoassay for Determination of Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate in Human Plasma

Abstract

A rapid radioimmunoassay for the determination of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) in diluted human plasma is described. The radioimmunoassay is performed using an antiserum to DHEA-3-hemisuccinate-BSA. A charcoal-dextran mixture is used for separation of the bound from the free fraction. The reliability criteria of the method in terms of precision, accuracy, sensitivity and specificity have been evaluated. The mean level of DHEA-S in plasma samples from normal men (age range 24-37) is 241-5+/-72-5 mug/dl. In normal premenopausal women the highest values are in the second third of the menstrual cycle (corresponding to the ovulatory phase). In normal old men (age range 64-86) and in post-menopausal women (age range 55-88) the mean values are, respectively, 51-9+/-33-8 and 53-8+/-34-0. The DHEA-S levels found in several cases of adreno-cortical disorders are reported. In primary adrenal insufficiency and in Cushing's syndrome due to adrenal adenoma or bilateral multinodular hyperplasia low values are found; in Cushing's syndrome due to bilateral adrenal hyperplasia normal values are usually found.

Lack of Effect of Prolactin Suppression on Plasma Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate

“…There are discrepancies between the normal ranges reported by the different groups. Normal ranges for DHA-S04 depend not only on age p a n g et al., 1968) and time in the menstrual cycle (Cattaneo et al, 1975) no allowance is made for losses occurring during solvolysis and extraction. A further factor is the nadir in plasma levels of DHA-SO4 in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (Cattaneo et al, 1975).…”

Plasma Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate in Nursing Home Men

“…The DHEAS and total testosterone analyses were performed through the methods described elsewhere, 37,38 on fasting venous plasma collected 8 am –9 am , during October through December of 1987. Blood samples were drawn during a time period when the subjects were clinically stable, as described above.…”

Effects of estrogen on cognition, mood, and cerebral blood flow in AD

“…Serum levels of estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) 32,33 and served as an index of compliance and response to treatment. Blood samples were drawn from patients at baseline and at the end of the trial.…”