Analysis of dehydroepiandrosterone and androstenediol in human breast tissue using high resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) and 5-androstenediol have been measured in human breast tissue by a method consisting of extraction and purification with final analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The method has been shown to be specific and reproducible, measuring only free DHA and not its sulphate. Preliminary results indicate that levels of DHA are in the range 15–200 ng/g tumour whereas in fibroadenomata the amounts are much higher ( 200–1000 ng/g). Androstenediol is present in tumours and benign tissues in similar amounts ( 10–200 ng/g).