TLDR 5alpha-reductase 2 is crucial for proper male brain development and sexual differentiation.
The study investigated the role of the 5alpha-reductase 2 (5alpha-R2) metabolic pathway in brain sexual differentiation of male rats by inhibiting it with finasteride from gestational day 19 to postnatal day 5. The results showed that while sexual maturation and copulatory potential were unaffected, finasteride-treated males exhibited increased pre-implantation loss in mating, likely due to abnormally shaped sperm. Despite normal male sexual behavior, 53% of these males displayed homosexual behavior when pretreated with estradiol, indicating incomplete brain defeminization. The study concluded that 5alpha-R2 is crucial for brain sexual differentiation, producing essential metabolites that work with estradiol and protecting the brain from estradiol's excess effects.
35 citations
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October 2004 in “Biology of Reproduction” PNU157706 reduced rat sperm movement and fertility without affecting offspring health.
26 citations
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July 1995 in “Neurobiology of Aging” Finasteride affects prostate weights and pituitary activity differently with age.
187 citations
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January 1994 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Finasteride treats enlarged prostate and may help with baldness, but effects on sexual function and male fetuses are unclear.
26 citations
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November 1993 in “Progress in Neuro-psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry” Treatment during development affects hormone balance and sexual behavior in male rats.
86 citations
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March 1993 in “Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology” Finasteride affects male rat genitalia development, causing abnormalities during specific pregnancy days.
37 citations
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January 1991 in “Reproductive Toxicology” Finasteride reduces male rat fertility by causing issues with copulatory plug formation.
122 citations
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July 1990 in “Teratology” Finasteride exposure in pregnancy causes genital abnormalities in male rats.
1 citations
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July 2022 in “Frontiers in Pharmacology” Dutasteride may help protect neurons and reduce inflammation in Parkinson's disease.
8 citations
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December 2017 in “Cancer Medicine” Finasteride use may increase the risk of male breast cancer.
23 citations
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February 2014 in “Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology” Low-dose finasteride reduces excessive hair growth in teenage girls safely and affordably.
23 citations
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January 2019 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Finasteride improves hair growth and reduces hirsutism in women, but side effects and optimal dosages need further research.
5 citations
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August 2018 in “Sexual Medicine Reviews” 5α-Reductase inhibitors do not consistently increase testosterone levels in the blood.
35 citations
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April 2013 in “Sexual medicine reviews” 5-alpha reductase inhibitors slightly increase the risk of sexual and mood side effects, and breast growth in men.
