Effect of 5α-Reductase Inhibitor (Finasteride) on Mastomys Prostate

This study investigated the effects of the 5α-reductase inhibitor Finasteride on the prostate of both male and female Jms:CHAM mastomys, a unique experimental animal with well-developed prostates in females. Finasteride was administered at doses of 5 mg/kg/day for 5 days and 10 mg/kg/day for 15 days. In males, Finasteride significantly reduced prostate and seminal vesicle weights and decreased prostate DHT levels from 14.0 ng/g to 5.8 ng/g, while increasing testosterone levels from 1.4 ng/g to 13.3 ng/g. In contrast, females showed no significant reduction in prostate weight, and their DHT levels remained high (17.3 ng/g to 11.3 ng/g), comparable to male controls. The study suggested a sex difference in the inhibitory effects of Finasteride on 5α-reductase, indicating unique androgen metabolism in the female prostate compared to males.