5-Alpha-Reductase 2 Inhibition Impairs Brain Defeminization of Male Rats: Reproductive Aspects

    September 2005 in “ Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior ”
    Camilla Moreira Ribeiro, Oduvaldo Câmara Marques Pereira
    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.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    7 / 7 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 406 results

      community My Testosterone results before and after Finasteride

      in Update  150 upvotes 4 years ago
      Finasteride significantly increased testosterone levels for the user, with no major side effects except watery semen, which was resolved with zinc supplements. The user's hairline stopped receding and slightly improved.

      community Trying to understand finasteride side effects and post finasteride syndrome

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  69 upvotes 5 years ago
      The conversation discusses the side effects of finasteride, including low libido and erectile dysfunction, and the possibility of these effects being permanent, known as post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). Some users report personal experiences with PFS and debate whether the condition is real, with varying opinions on the reversibility of side effects and the role of individual biology.

      community Just popped my first fin, excited as hell!

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  154 upvotes 1 year ago
      A user shared their excitement about starting finasteride for hair loss after trying various ineffective methods. Other users discussed their experiences with finasteride, including shedding phases and side effects, with one mentioning using topical finasteride and minoxidil.

      community One year on finasteride has reversed some aging

      in Chat  198 upvotes 2 months ago
      Finasteride and minoxidil use resulted in a more youthful appearance and improved skin. There is debate about their effects on collagen and skin aging, with no solid evidence supporting significant changes due to finasteride.

    Similar Research

    6 / 1000+ results