Neuroimmunoregulation of androgens in the adrenal gland and the skin

Abstract

Human adrenals produce large quantities of androgens, especially DHEA which is the most abundant circulating hormone in the human body. Adrenal androgens are regulated by several factors, including pituitary ACTH and an intricate intraadrenal network involving immune cells, cytokines and neuroendocrine factors. The skin is a major target of androgens and androgen receptors are expressed in the epidermis, dermis, sebaceous glands and hair. In addition, the skin has the capacity to metabolize androgens into more powerful compounds. Similar to the adrenal gland, there is an intradermal neuro-immune network involving the local expression of cytokines and neuropeptides. Dysregulation of androgens in the adrenals and/or the skin is associated with acne, hirsutism and androgenic alopecia. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of these intricate networks is of both basic and clinical relevance and may help to develop new strategies for the treatment of androgen-dependent skin disorders.