Hormonal regulation of 5 alpha-reductase activity in anterior pituitary gland microsomes of the male rat
Ducouret, B.; Samperez, S.; Jouan, P.
Comptes Rendus des Seances de la Societe de Biologie et de ses Filiales 172(6): 1201-1207
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-9026 PMID: 159106 Document Number: 138008
It was previously shown that the microsomal 5 alpha-reductase activity in the male rat pituitary was increased by castration. Subcutaneous administration of androgens to castrated rats prevented the rise in 5 alpha-reductase activity. Their relative efficiency was as follows: 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone greater than 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol greater than testosterone. Under our experimental conditions 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta, 17 beta-diol and estrogens were inefficient. The rise in 5 alpha-reductase activity following castration is exclusively located in hypophysis and it is probably due to an increased of the enzyme biosynthesis.