Leydig Cell Hyperplasia and Adenomas in Mice Treated with Finasteride, a 5α-Reductase Inhibitor: A Possible Mechanism

    February 1994 in “ Fundamental and applied toxicology ”
    S. Prahalada, Jarosław Majka, Keith A. Soper, Torrance M. Nett, Walter Bagdon, Chennekatu P. Peter, Joyce Burek, J. A. Macdonald, M.J. van Zwieten
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    TLDR High doses of finasteride cause cell growth and tumors in mice.
    This study found that high doses of finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor, caused Leydig cell hyperplasia and adenomas in mice. The effects appear to be secondary to increased serum LH levels and occur only at very high doses compared to the therapeutic dose in humans. The study suggests a possible mechanism for the development of these conditions in humans taking finasteride and highlights the need for further research on the long-term effects of finasteride use.
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