Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) inhibits growth of human vascular endothelial cells

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) is a steroid product of the adrenal gland, which circulates in high concentrations, but whose functions are largely unknown. There is evidence for antiproliferative effects of DHEAS in neoplastic tissue. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of DHEAS on vascular endothelial cell proliferation. It was found that DHEAS at physiological concentrations (10 microM) caused inhibition of cellular growth, which was reversible following removal of the steroid. This effect was not mimicked by other steroids, suggesting that it is not mediated by androgen or estrogen receptors. Uptake of 3H-thymidine was not altered by DHEAS, suggesting that this steroid may induce apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells.