Finasteride Blocks Progesterone Synthesis in MA-10 Leydig Tumor Cells
October 1993
in “
Endocrinology
”
New to Finasteride? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → 
Studysummary In this study, researchers found that finasteride inhibits progesterone synthesis by blocking cholesterol side-chain cleavage in mouse-derived MA-10 Leydig cells, but this effect may not be evident in human or rat cells.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The study found that finasteride inhibits progesterone synthesis in MA-10 Leydig tumor cells, but not in human granulosa cells or rat Leydig tumor cells. The inhibition is dose-dependent and occurs at a concentration significantly less than serum concentrations detected in finasteride-treated patients. Finasteride blocks cholesterol side-chain cleavage, which can inhibit steroidogenesis. The effect of finasteride to block cholesterol side-chain cleavage may be species-specific. The study suggests that finasteride may have unique research applications as a probe for the mouse side-chain cleavage enzyme, but also highlights the potential problem of designing 5a-reductase inhibitors that may inhibit more than the expected target enzyme and cause undesired side-effects.
