Topical Minoxidil Does Not Act as an Antiandrogen in the Flank Organ of the Golden Syrian Hamster

January 1987 in “ Archives of Dermatology ”

Barbara A. Nuck

minoxidil antiandrogen flank organ androgen-dependent structures testosterone progesterone sebaceous glands hair follicle diameter Rogaine

Studysummary In this study, topical minoxidil did not show an antiandrogenic effect on androgen-dependent cutaneous structures in the golden Syrian hamster, suggesting it likely does not have this role in humans either.

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The study investigated whether topical minoxidil had an antiandrogenic effect on the androgen-dependent structures of the flank organ in golden Syrian hamsters. Minoxidil, applied in concentrations of 1% and 5% for three weeks, did not prevent the androgen-dependent growth of pigmented spots, sebaceous glands, or hair follicle diameter induced by testosterone. In contrast, 5% progesterone significantly inhibited these effects, serving as a positive control. The findings concluded that topical minoxidil did not exhibit antiandrogenic properties in the hamster model, suggesting it likely did not have such effects in humans either.

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Research cited in this study

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