Conclusions

Abstract

Over recent years, very considerable progress has been made in the elucidation of the biochemical events necessary for initiating androgenic responses. The highaffinity binding mechanism in rat prostate is now understood reasonably well, but the entry and release of steroid hormones from androgen target cells remain to be established in detail. The current model for the mechanism of action of androgens places critical importance on the nuclear retention of testosterone and its active metabolites, resulting in discrete changes in the transcription of the genetic apparatus. Evidence supporting this model has recently been achieved in reconstituted, cell-free systems. Alternative schemes for steroid hormone action, based on the association of hormones with lysosomes (Szego, 1974), do not seem appropriate for the mechanism of action of androgens (Sepsenwol and Hechter, 1976).