Suppression of sebaceous gland development in laboratory animals by 17alpha-propyltestosterone

Topical application of the testosterone derivative 17alpha-propylandrost-4-en-17beta-ol-3-one (Win 17665) caused a dose-related regression of the hamster flank organ and guinea pig supracaudal gland in mature male animals. Histological examination confirmed that this action of Win 17665 was on the size of the hamster sebaceous glands and was reversible on cessation of treatment. Topical application of Win 17665 also counteracted flank organ stimulation by directly applied 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone and 4-androstene-3,17-dione. Seminal vesicle weight was reduced after the repeated subcutaneous administration of 100 mg/kg of Win 17665 but not after repeated oral administration of 320 mg/kg or topical administration of 1 gm/kg of Win 17665.