TLDR Finasteride changes androgen receptor location in rat epididymis without altering tissue structure.
The study investigated the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) deficiency, induced by finasteride treatment, on androgen receptor (AR) localization in the epididymis of rats over 56 days. Despite the DHT deficiency, there were no morphological changes in the epididymal epithelium. In control rats, AR was found in the nuclei of epithelial and smooth muscle cells and mainly in the cytoplasm of interstitial cells. In finasteride-treated rats, AR was primarily located in the cytoplasm of epithelial and interstitial cells, with some nuclear staining in specific cell types. The study concluded that finasteride altered AR expression in the epididymis, reflecting changes in hormonal status, without affecting the tissue morphology.
35 citations
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October 2004 in “Biology of Reproduction” PNU157706 reduced rat sperm movement and fertility without affecting offspring health.
34 citations
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January 2004 in “PubMed” DHT deficiency in rats reduces sperm content and affects testis structure over time.
115 citations
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March 2001 in “Baillière's best practice and research in clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Baillière's best practice & research. Clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Key enzymes control androgen levels, affecting hormone activity and potential treatments.
104 citations
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October 1999 in “The Journal of Urology” Finasteride doesn't harm male fertility or sperm quality, but may slightly reduce ejaculate volume.
10 citations
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September 2008 in “Andrologia” Finasteride changes antioxidant enzyme expression, possibly affecting sperm protection in rats.
November 2020 in “Elsevier eBooks” Antiandrogens and androgen inhibitors like spironolactone, finasteride, and dutasteride can treat hair loss and skin conditions, but they have risks and side effects, including potential harm to pregnant women and risks of cancer and heart issues. Herbal remedies also have antiandrogenic effects but lack safety validation.
20 citations
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April 2012 in “Fertility and Sterility” Finasteride causes lasting fertility decrease in rats.
June 2022 in “Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences” Higher testosterone harms sperm motility, while higher estradiol improves sperm survival.
28 citations
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May 2015 in “Addiction Biology” Prenatal stress changes how male and female rats enjoy rewards differently, linked to sex hormones.