Androstenedione (also known as 4-androstenedione and δ4-androstenedione) is a 19-carbon steroid hormone produced in the adrenal glands and the gonads that is the common precursor in the biochemical pathway that produces the androgen testosterone and the estrogens estrone and estradiol.1-7 Androstenedione has approximately one tenth of the androgenic potency of testosterone. 1 Androstenedione is synthesized by means of two biochemical pathways. The predominant pathway involves conversion of 17-hydroxypregnenolone to dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) catalyzed by the enzyme 17,20-lyase, with subsequent conversion of DHEA to androstenedione catalyzed by the enzyme 3-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. A secondary pathway for androstenedione production involves conversion of 17-hydroxyprogesterone to androstenedione directly by 17,20-lyase. 17,20-lyase is required for both pathways of androstenedione synthesis.
Specimen Type
Blood
Container
Red Top Tube
Collection Instructions
Container/Tube: Red top tube (No gel tube) Specimen : 1 mL serum (0.5 mL min) Transport Temperature: Refrigerated
Transport Instructions
Refrigerated...
Specimen Stability
14 Days Room Temperature 14 Days Refrigerated 14 Days Frozen
Methodology
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Days Performed
TAT: 5-7 Days
Performing Laboratory
Laborp This test was developed, and its performance characteristics determined, by LabCorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
