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5 alpha-reductase deficiency: human and animal models
1Department of Medicine, Cornell University Medical College, New York, NY 10021.
European Urology
|January 1, 1994
Summary
5 alpha-reductase deficiency causes male pseudohermaphroditism. Dihydrotestosterone, a key metabolite, is crucial for male external genitalia and prostate development, as shown in human and rat studies.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Male pseudohermaphroditism is a disorder affecting sexual development.
- 5 alpha-reductase deficiency impacts male hormone metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review male pseudohermaphroditism due to 5 alpha-reductase deficiency.
- To document the role of dihydrotestosterone in male sexual differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Review of hormonal and tissue studies in patients.
- In utero studies of male rat fetuses with 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors.
Main Results:
- Dihydrotestosterone is essential for external genitalia and prostate differentiation.
- Inhibition of 5 alpha-reductase in rats led to incomplete masculinization and impaired prostate development.
Conclusions:
- 5 alpha-reductase activity and dihydrotestosterone formation are vital for normal male external genitalia and prostate development.
- This provides conclusive evidence for the role of dihydrotestosterone in sexual differentiation.