Metabolism of Androgens by Isolated Human Hair Follicles
April 1972
in “
Journal of Steroid Biochemistry
”
New to dehydroepiandrosterone? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → Studysummary This study observed that male human hair follicles metabolized dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) more intensively than skin did and found altered DHA metabolism in follicles from balding individuals.
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The study investigated the in vitro metabolism of androgens in isolated male human hair follicles from the scalp, beard, and pubic areas. Testosterone was primarily converted to androstenedione, 5α-dihydrotestosterone, 5α-androstanedione, and androsterone, with the most intensive formation of 5α-dihydrotestosterone in beard follicles. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) was mainly metabolized to 5-androstene-3β,17β-diol, 7α-hydroxy-DHA, androstenedione, and 5α-androstanedione, with limited sulphoconjugation. The metabolism of DHA was more intensive in hair follicles than in human skin and was altered in follicles from balding individuals. DHA inhibited glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase activity in hair follicles, and two dihydrotestosterone-binding components were identified in the hair follicle cytosol.
