TLDR Blocking a specific enzyme in male rat fetuses leads to the development of nipples and feminized genitalia.
In a 1986 study, researchers treated pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats with a 5α-reductase inhibitor, 17β-N,N-diisopropylcarbamoyl-4-aza-5α-androstan-3-one, from days 12 to 21 of gestation and observed that male offspring developed nipples, which typically regress prenatally in males due to androgen effects. The treatment also caused feminization of the external genitalia in male offspring. This study provided evidence that 5α-dihydrotestosterone, produced by the action of 5α-reductase on testosterone, plays a crucial role in preventing nipple development in male rat fetuses, indicating its importance not only in masculinizing external genitalia but also in the sexual differentiation of nipples.
219 citations
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October 2009 in “Steroids” 5α-reductase inhibitors, like Finasteride and Dutasteride, help manage benign prostatic hyperplasia.
![Activity of 17β-(N-Alkyl/Arylformamido) and 17β-[(N-Alkyl/Aryl) Alkyl/Arylamido]-4-Methyl-4-Aza-5α-Androstan-3-Ones as 5α-Reductase Inhibitors in the Hamster Flank Organ and Ear](/images/research/861159f1-7bd4-420c-a16b-4829458efe68/small/15592.jpg)
10 citations
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August 1998 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” The compounds tested could potentially treat hair loss and alopecia.
169 citations
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June 1998 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Male pattern baldness is likely caused by multiple genes, not just 5α-reductase genes.
34 citations
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February 1993 in “Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology/The Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology” Certain 4-azasteroids are effective at blocking the enzyme that processes testosterone in human skin and could help treat acne, excessive hair growth, and male pattern baldness.
September 2020 in “Current Enzyme Inhibition” Three compounds were found to inhibit a prostate disease-related enzyme and reduce prostate size more effectively than the current treatment, suggesting they could be used for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia.
12 citations
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April 1995 in “Journal of Medicinal Chemistry” The new compounds moderately block a specific enzyme and strongly counteract a male hormone, suggesting potential for treating certain male-related health conditions.
