Effect of 5 alpha-reduced androgens on prolactin secretion

The effects of a 6-day treatment with 2 mg/day of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), 5 alpha-androstan-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol (3 alpha-diol) and 5 alpha-androstan-3 beta, 17 beta-diol (3 beta-diol) on serum prolactin levels have been evaluated in long-term castrated male and female rats. The steroids were administered either in the free alcohol or in the propionated form (mono and dipropionates for the 3 alpha- and 3 beta-diols). Practically no effect of any steroid was evident in the treated male animals. DHT and 3 alpha-diol inhibited prolactin secretion in the female animals, while testosterone and 3 beta-diol remained ineffective. The data suggest a possible role of 5 alpha-reduced compounds, DHT and 3 alpha-diol in the control of prolactin secretion in females.