Abstract
Over the past decade 11-oxygenated androgens, and in particular 11-ketotestosterone, have been recognised as important contributors to the androgen pool in human physiology. Although described as an androgen of adrenal origin, 11-ketotestosterone is primarily produced in peripheral tissues from adrenal derived precursors. In this issue of the European Journal of Endocrinology, Kitamura et al. report on a rare case of adrenocortical adenoma that produced excessive circulating levels of 11-ketotestosterone. Immunohistochemical analysis of the resected tumour illustrate the key roles played by the enzymes HSD11B2 and AKR1C3 in the biosynthesis of 11-ketotestosterone and provide insights into why 11-ketotestosterone owes its origins to the peripheral conversion of adrenal derived 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione in healthy individuals.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
