Androgenic Effect of Testosterone and Its Metabolites in Relation to Their Biotransformation in the Skin

In a study from 1982, testosterone and its metabolites were tested on the female hamster flank organ to observe their androgenic effects, particularly on the growth of sebaceous structures. The study involved microscopic examination and quantification of histological features. Testosterone, 5α-dihydrotestosterone, and 3α-androstanediol were found to be very effective in stimulating sebaceous growth, while 3β-androstanediol had no effect, and androsterone had only a minimal effect. Additionally, the metabolism of these steroids was examined in the hamster flank organ, hamster skin, and human scalp hair follicles, with the study discussing the potential link between the androgenic effect and steroid metabolism.