Androgen Antagonists in Androgen Target Tissues

The 1984 document reviews the chemistry, mechanisms, and clinical applications of antiandrogens, which inhibit the growth of male accessory sex organs by either directly interacting with androgen receptors or through nonreceptor mediated actions. It discusses the purification and characterization of androgen receptors from animal tissues and the specificity of steroid binding to these receptors. The paper also examines the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of various androgen antagonists, their effects on conditions like acne, hirsutism, and prostate cancer, and the side effects associated with their use. The document concludes that while antiandrogens show significant biological effects, further research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms and to assess their effectiveness and side effects compared to other therapies. The research was supported by NIH grants and involved contributions from several individuals.