[Age-related characteristics of testosterone 5-alpha-reductase activity in various rat organs]

A study was made of 5 alpha-reductase activity, transformation of 3H-testosterone to 3H-dihydrotestosterone in the liver, kidneys prostate an in the skin of the scrotum, as well as of the level of plasma testosterone in male Wistar rats at varying age periods of postnatal ontogenesis. The data obtained indicate that by the moment of birth the androgen-sensitive organs of male rats include functionally active 5 alpha-reductase. During body development, periods of the enzyme activation were discovered. It was shown that by senility androgen metabolism in the organs under study decelerates whereas, 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone tends towards accumulation by the cells.