ESTROGEN-INDUCED HYPERTRIGLYCERIDEMIA - ROLE OF ADRENAL-CORTEX

The role of the adrenal cortex in the pathogenesis of hypertriglyceridemia associated with the intake of oral contraceptive agents containing estrogen was investigated in rats. Bilateral adrenalectomy reduced the activity of hepatic enzymes regulating lipogenesis (acetyl CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthetase) and decreased plasma triglyceride concentrations. The administration of high dosage corticosterone induced the activity of hepatic enzymes with consequent elevation in serum triglyceride levels. In animals with intact adrenals the administration of estradiol raised plasma triglyceride levels, enhanced the activity of hepatic enzymes and increased the adrenal cortex:body weight ratio. The first 2 effects were not observed when both adrenals were removed prior to estrogen therapy. High dosage corticosterone replacement was essential for the estradiol to produce its effects on hepatic enzymes and plasma triglyceride levels. The results suggest a regulatory role for the adrenal cortex in the homeostasis of plasma triglyceride concentration and that the hypertriglyceridemia induced by the estrogen containing preparations might be secondary to alterations in adrenocortical function.