Evaluation of the Effects of Finasteride on Intrauterine and Early Postnatal Prostate Development in Female and Male Mongolian Gerbils (Meriones Unguiculatus)

The study investigated the effects of finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor, on the prostate development of male and female Mongolian gerbils during intrauterine and early postnatal periods. Using various dosages, the research found that low-dose intrauterine exposure (100 μg/Kg/day) altered prostate development in both sexes, with increased smooth muscle thickness and stromal proliferation in females, and changes in androgen and estrogen receptor expression in males. A higher dose (500 μg/Kg/day) affected pre- and postnatal development, causing sex-specific changes in muscle thickness and epithelial proliferation. Postnatal exposure increased smooth muscle thickness and reduced developing alveoli thickness in both sexes, with more pronounced alterations in females. The findings highlighted intersex differences in response to finasteride and emphasized the need for environmental and health considerations regarding its accumulation.