Abstract

The metabolism of testosterone, androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone in the rat preputial gland has been studied. A high activity of 5α-reductase is present as shown by the formation of 17 β hydroxy-5α-androstan-3-one and 5 α-androstan-3, 17-dione as the major products from testosterone and androstenedione respectively. Other enzyme activities are present including 17 β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase, but the amounts of testosterone and 17 β-hydroxy-5α-androstan-3-one formed from androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone are low. The main product of dehydroepiandrosterone metabolism was androstenedione indicating a high level of 3 β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase 4-5 isomerase activity. The metabolism was compared with that in rat skin where it was found that the extent of metabolism was much less. The possible significance of the various products formed and of differences between skin and preputial gland metabolism is discussed. Some differences were noted between the metabolism of androgens by rat skin and preputial gland and the metabolism of androgens by human skin.

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