Epitestosterone—An Endogenous Antiandrogen?
November 1989
in “
Journal of steroid biochemistry/Journal of Steroid Biochemistry
”
TLDR Epitestosterone may act as a weak antiandrogen and can inhibit an enzyme involved in testosterone metabolism.
The document discussed the potential role of epitestosterone (EpiT) as an endogenous antiandrogen. Studies indicated that EpiT could alter gonadotrophin levels and exhibited antiandrogenic effects in rats and mice by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase, thereby reducing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) formation from testosterone. EpiT was also found to inhibit the growth of testosterone-dependent tissues such as the prostate, seminal vesicles, and kidneys. These findings suggested that EpiT might play a role in regulating androgenic action and maintaining sexual immaturity.