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[Differentiation of external genitalia and 5 alpha-reductase]
Akira Tohda1, Fumi Matsumoto, Kenji Shimada
1Department of Urology, Osaka Medical Center, Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health.
Abstract:
Sexual differentiation of the external genitalia depends on many factors such as genetic sex, gonadal sex or androgen action. Among them, 5 alpha-reductase plays an important role in androgen action: dihydrotestosterone(DHT) is produce from testosterone by 5 alpha-reductase and DHT binds the androgen receptor to induce the differentiation of the external genitalia. In this paper we reviewed on the mechanism of the differentiation of the external genitalia, especially on the relation with androgen action and 5 alpha-reductase.
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