What physiological role of DHEA in non-primate mammals?

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphate metabolite (DHEAS) are generally considered as androgenic steroid precursors, whose prominent function is their role as prohormones used by several non-endocrine peripheral tissues for the synthesis of androgens and estrogens. In primates, the adrenal glands are the main source of these steroids, while in non-primate mammals the picture is more complex, and the gonads and placenta seem its main. In humans, DHEA(S) is related to aging. Its concentrations peak around puberty and then decrease through the subject’s life. A little age effect on DHEA concentrations can be observed in dogs, while no data is available for ungulates. Besides their role as prohormones, DHEA and DHEAS are believed to possess several putative pleiotropic effects: modulation of endothelial function, reduction of inflammation, improvement of insulin sensitivity, blood flow, cellular immunity, body composition, bone metabolism, sexual function, and physical strength, neuroprotective properties, improvement of cognitive functions and memory. Interestingly, DHEA(S) may have antagonistic effects on glucocorticoids and mitigate the stress response. However, available research suggests that the biological properties observed in one animal taxa cannot be straightforward translated to another, and more research is needed to elucidate the role of DHEA in domestic mammals.