[Increase in the sensitivity threshold of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal complex to the inhibiting action of dexamethasone in the process of aging and in cervical cancer].

The basal level of the androgenic and glucocorticoid hormones excretion and the level of blood glucocorticoids were studied in 237 females (52--control group, 185--cervical cancer patients) depending on the age and the ovarian function state. Also, the threshold of sensitivity of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal function complex was estimated by a dexametazone test. Healthy females were shown with progressive ageing to have a relative preponderance of glucocorticoid hormones over androgenous ones, which is also observed in cervical cancer irrespective of age group. With ageing in healthy females the threshold of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal complex sensitivity is raised, whereas in cervical cancer patients an increased threshold of the sensitivity is observed in younger age groups and is more manifest. The increased threshold of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal complex sensitivity seems to be one of the mechanisms responsible for the occurrence of such unfavourable hormonal shift (a relative predominance of glucocorticoid hormones over androgenic ones), which in its turn play a significant part in tumors origination and development.