Angiotensin II potentiates ACTH-stimulated adrenal androgen secretion

Several lines of evidence in animal and human studies, including measurements of elevated adrenal androgens in salt wasting syndromes suggest that adrenal androgen levels may in part be regulated by angiotensin II. This possibility was tested directly by measurement of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) in canine adrenal cell suspensions after addition of angiotensin II and ACTH, separately and together. Minimal cortisol and no DHA stimulation was obtained using 4 x 10(-10) to 4 x 10(-5) M concentrations of angiotensin II alone. However, increased cortisol and DHA secretion were observed beginning at 4 x 10(-10) M concentrations of angiotensin II when it was combined with 10(-13) MACTH. These are physiological concentrations of both stimuli and may explain the increased adrenal androgens seen in some pathological situations characterized by elevated PRA.