Steroid section patterns of a hilus cell tumor of the ovary.

Steroidogenic function of a locally invasive hilus cell tumor of the ovary was studied. Serum levels of testosterone, androstenedione, dihydrotestosterone, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, progesterone, and estradiol were measured in blood samples from the peripheral and the ovarian vein. The tumor was secreting all but estradiol. Concentrations of progesterone and 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone were greatly elevated. Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone were the predominant androgens secreted by the tumor. Estradiol concentrations were elevated but without a significant peripheral-ovarian gradient. Concentrations of all the steroids coming from the tumor were increased paradoxically in the peripheral circulation after administration of dexamethasone, and the tumor was responsive to stimulation by human chorionic gonadotropin.