Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Testosterone: Functions and Regulation

Testosterone: Functions and Regulation

The intricate hormonal interplay essential for male reproductive health begins with the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus. This hormone prompts the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH targets the Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating them to produce and release testosterone. In concert with testosterone, FSH acts on the Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules to facilitate the release of...

Amino Acid Biosynthetic Pathways

Amino Acid Biosynthetic Pathways

Amino acid biosynthesis is essential for cell growth, protein synthesis, and metabolic regulation. Cells generate essential and non-essential amino acids from metabolic intermediates to sustain vital biological functions. These intermediates originate from key metabolic pathways: glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and the pentose phosphate pathway. Important precursors include α-ketoglutarate, pyruvate, oxaloacetate, phosphoenolpyruvate, and erythrose-4-phosphate, which provide...

The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness

The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness

The Y chromosome is a sex chromosome found in several vertebrates and mammals, including humans. In addition to 22 pairs of autosomes, the human males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. In these organisms, the presence or absence of the Y chromosome determines the development of male traits.
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size. Today,...

Gonadal and Placental Hormones

Gonadal and Placental Hormones

The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...

Hormones of the Adrenal Glands

Hormones of the Adrenal Glands

Adrenal hormones play a pivotal role in maintaining the body's electrolyte balance and orchestrating responses to stress, showcasing the intricate functions of the adrenal cortex and medulla.
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and corticosterone...

Accessory Glands of the Male Reproductive System

Accessory Glands of the Male Reproductive System

The accessory ducts involved in sperm maturation and transportation include the epididymides, vasa deferentia, ejaculatory ducts, and urethra. These ducts play a critical role in the maturation, storage, and transportation of sperm from the testes to the urethra, where it is then released during ejaculation.
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle. The epididymis can be divided into three main parts: the head, body, and tail. The head of the epididymis...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Evaluation of a one-step sample preparation protocol for analysis of total serum testosterone by LC-MS/MS.

Clinical mass spectrometry (Del Mar, Calif.)·2024

Same author

Androgen Glucuronidation in Mice: When, Where, and How.

Biology·2022

Same author

Population aging, migration, and productivity in Europe.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·2020

Same author

Prevalence of depression and anxiety in women newly diagnosed with vulvovaginal atrophy and dyspareunia.

Menopause (New York, N.Y.)·2019

Same author

A highly sensitive LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantitation of serum androstane-3α, 17β-diol and androstane-3β, 17β-diol in post-menopausal women.

Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences·2019

Same author

The Passing of Dr. Fernand Labrie (1937-2019): The legacy of excellence in science.

The Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology·2019

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Murine Prostate Micro-dissection and Surgical Castration

Murine Prostate Micro-dissection and Surgical Castration

Published on: May 11, 2016

Androgen biosynthetic pathways in the human prostate.

Van Luu-The¹, Alain Bélanger, Fernand Labrie

¹Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology and Oncology, Laval University Hospital Research Center, Laval University, Québec, Canada. van.luu-the@crchul.ulaval.ca

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism

|May 13, 2008

Summary

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) metabolism in the prostate is complex. This review clarifies the multiple pathways involved in DHT biosynthesis and breakdown in human prostate tissue, challenging traditional views.

More Related Videos

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer

Published on: March 6, 2018

Prostate Organoid Cultures as Tools to Translate Genotypes and Mutational Profiles to Pharmacological Responses

Prostate Organoid Cultures as Tools to Translate Genotypes and Mutational Profiles to Pharmacological Responses

Published on: October 24, 2019

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Murine Prostate Micro-dissection and Surgical Castration

Murine Prostate Micro-dissection and Surgical Castration

Published on: May 11, 2016

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer

Published on: March 6, 2018

Prostate Organoid Cultures as Tools to Translate Genotypes and Mutational Profiles to Pharmacological Responses

Prostate Organoid Cultures as Tools to Translate Genotypes and Mutational Profiles to Pharmacological Responses

Published on: October 24, 2019

Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Molecular Biology
Urology

Background:

Testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are key androgens.
DHT is vital for prostate development, function, and disease.
The prostate contains steroidogenic enzymes and abundant steroid precursors.

Purpose of the Study:

To clarify the pathways of DHT biosynthesis and metabolism in the human prostate.
To reconcile conflicting data from various species and cell models.
To provide a comprehensive overview of DHT's role in prostate health and pathology.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on human, dog, rat, and mouse prostate tissues.
Analysis of data from primary prostate cells and cancer cell lines.
Synthesis of information on steroidogenesis and enzyme activity.

Main Results:

The prostate utilizes multiple pathways for DHT biosynthesis and metabolism.
Circulating T is not the sole precursor for prostatic DHT.
Specific enzymes and precursors contribute to DHT's local production and inactivation.

Conclusions:

DHT biosynthesis and metabolism in the human prostate are more intricate than previously assumed.
Understanding these pathways is crucial for addressing prostate diseases.
Further research is needed to fully elucidate species-specific differences.