Leydig Cell Hyperplasia and Adenomas in Mice Treated with Finasteride, a 5α-Reductase Inhibitor: A Possible Mechanism
January 1994
in “
Toxicological Sciences
”
TLDR Finasteride causes abnormal growth in male mice cells at high doses.
This study found that high doses of finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor, caused Leydig cell hyperplasia and adenomas in male mice, likely due to increased serum LH levels. The effects of finasteride on Leydig cells in mice appear to be secondary to increased serum LH levels and they occur only at very high doses in relation to the therapeutic dose in humans. The study suggests that drug-related Leydig cell hyperplasia and/or adenomas appear to be a rodent-specific effect.
