John S. Strauss

ASSAY OF ANTI-ANDROGENS IN MAN BY THE SEBACEOUS GLAND RESPONSE

THE development and secretory activity of the human sebaceous glands are dependent upon stimulation by androgens (Hamilton, 1941; Rony and Zakon, 1943; Strauss et al., 1962). Thus, measurements of sebaceous gland secretion have potential value in determining androgenic responses. This report will discuss utilization of the sebaceous glands in man for assaying androgens, as well as review information available to date on the effect of anti‐androgenic compounds on the human sebaceous gland.

Nutritional influences of pellagra on sebum composition

Sebum composition has been measured in 51 patients with varying degrees of pellagra and compared with a control group of subjects in the same geographic area. In the pellagra group the wax ester percentage was 14.9 versus the normal of 21.9%. The squalene percentage was increased in the pellagra group (11.6%) versus a control value of 8.4%. A small increase in the percentage of cholesterol was also noted. These changes, which previously have been observed in starved but otherwise normal subjects, were reversible with adequate refeeding.

THE EFFECT OF SULFISOXAZOLE–TRIMETHOPRIM COMBINATION ON TITRATABLE ACIDITY OF HUMAN SEBUM

SUMMARY.— The daily administration of 2·0 G. of sulfisoxazole in combination with 0.5 G. of trimethoprim for 9 weeks produces a decrease in the titratable acidity of sebum averaging approximately 30%. No change has been observed with trimethoprim or sulfisoxazole alone.

Lack of androgen effect on human sebaceous glands with low-dosage norethindrone

Abstract Sebum production was measured weekly in 6 normal adult males during the oral administration of norethindrone, 5.0 mg daily, or norethindrone acetate, 2.5 mg. daily. for 5 to 12 weeks. For a period of several weeks prior to this, sebum secretion was first reduced to low levels by the daily administration of 1 mg. of ethynyl estradiol. The estrogen was then continued simultaneously with the administration of the norethindrone drugs. The purpose of the study was to observe whether the highly androgen-sensitive sebaceous glands could be stimulated to secrete sebum from the administration of these progestins. In none of the 6 subjects was any significant change in sebum production observed indicating that, in the doses used, norethindrone and norethindrone acetate are not androgenic as judged by the response of the human sebaceous gland. It had been previously shown that significant sebaceous gland stimulation resulted from the daily administration of 20 mg. of norethindrone.

Sebaceous gland secretion in cirrhosis.

SUMMARY.— Sebum production tests were performed in 10 hospitalized male patients with cirrhosis of the liver. Sebum secretion in these patients did not differ significantly from that of normal subjects. No inverse correlation was evident between sebum levels and the presence or severity of oestrogenic physical signs.