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Control of androgen metabolism in the peripheral and central structures: physiological implications

  • Chapter
Mechanisms of Steroid Action

Abstract

It is now well established that the prostate and other androgen-sensitive peripheral structures (seminal vesicles, sebaceous gland, kidney, etc.) metabolise testosterone into 5α-androstan-17β-ol-3-one (dihydrotestosterone, DHT) and subsequently into 5α-androstan-3α,17β-diol (3α-diol) (Wilson and Gloyna, 1970; Robel et al., 1971; Schmidt et al., 1972; Massa and Martini, 1972, 1974). In the peripheral androgen-responding tissues small amounts of 5α-androstan-3α, 17β-diol (3β-diol) are also formed (Shimazaki et al., 1972; Levy et al., 1974; Taurog et al., 1975). These conversions occur under the influence of a 5α-reductase 3α- and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase system (figure 1). According to the most widely accepted theory, these αa-reduced metabolites act as the intracellular mediators of the multiple actions testosterone exerts on its target structures (Bruchovsky and Wilson, 1968; Wilson and Gloyna, 1970; Robel et al., 1971; Schmidt et al., 1973).

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Endocrinology, University of Milano, 21, Via Andrea del Sarto, 20129, Milano, Italy

    L. Martini, N. Avogadri, P. Ferraboschi, F. Celotti & M. Motta

Authors
  1. L. Martini
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  2. N. Avogadri
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  3. P. Ferraboschi
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  4. F. Celotti
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  5. M. Motta
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons of England, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, UK

    G. P. Lewis

  2. Department of Pharmacology, Chelsea College, University of London, UK

    M. Ginsburg

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© 1981 Institute of Biology Endowment Trust Fund

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Martini, L., Avogadri, N., Ferraboschi, P., Celotti, F., Motta, M. (1981). Control of androgen metabolism in the peripheral and central structures: physiological implications. In: Lewis, G.P., Ginsburg, M. (eds) Mechanisms of Steroid Action. Biological Council The Co-ordinating Committee for Symposia on Drug Action. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-81345-2_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-81345-2_10

  • Publisher Name: Palgrave, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-349-81347-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-349-81345-2

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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