The effect of treatment with defined spleen dialysate on plasma levels of 21-deoxycortisol and 17-hydroxyprogesterone in women with polycystic ovary disease.

Based upon the use of a specific radioimmunoassay method, the plasma levels of 21-deoxycortisol (21-DF) as well as of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17- OHP) were examined in women with polycystic ovary disease - in normal conditions and after stimulation with corticotropin and chorionic gonadotrophin. It was shown that there was an increased level of 21-DF in women with PCOD in comparison with the control group, both in normal conditions and after ACTH stimulation. Besides there was a pathological increase in the level of 21-DF after HCG stimulation, which was not observed in the control group. These results suggest an enzymatic defect ("11-aberrant hydroxylation") in PCOD, which is due to a disturbance of steroidogenesis. Based upon the positive experiences with a defined spleen dialysate ("DSD", Solcosplen) in the treatment of climacteric discomforts and its known influence on steroidogenesis, we examined possible effects on the levels of 21-DF in females with PCOD. The decrease in the level of this steroid was associated with bleeding in women with amenorrhea. This shows the importance of 21-DF in the pathogenesis of PCOD and proves the efficacy of the spleen dialysate in women suffering from this disease.