Virilization of the urogenital sinus of the tammar wallaby is not unique to 5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol.

Abstract

The androgen 5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol (5alpha-adiol) is synthesized in testes and secreted into plasma of male tammar wallaby pouch young and appears to virilize the urogenital sinus. To provide insight into its mechanism of action, a dose response study showed that administration of 1 microg 5alpha-adiol monoenanthate per g body wt. per week for 3 weeks to 24-day-old female pouch young induced prostate bud formation equivalent to that of males of the same age. Administration of this same dose of the enanthates of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and 5alpha-adiol to female pouch young caused equivalent virilization of the urogenital sinus. The fact that 5alpha-adiol does not exert a unique effect, together with our earlier findings in this species that 5alpha-adiol and testosterone are converted to dihydrotestosterone in the urogenital sinus and that virilization of the urogenital sinus is prevented by the androgen receptor antagonist flutamide, suggest that 5alpha-adiol is a circulating precursor for dihydrotestosterone formation in this tissue.

• Authors: M W Leihy, G Shaw, J D Wilson, M B Renfree
• Journal: Molecular and cellular endocrinology (Mol Cell Endocrinol) Vol. 181 Issue 1-2 Pg. 111-5 (Jul 05 2001) ISSN: 0303-7207 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 11476945 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Androgens
• Androstane-3,17-diol

Topics

• Androgens (pharmacology)
• Androstane-3,17-diol (pharmacology)
• Animals
• Body Weight (drug effects)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Female
• Macropodidae (growth & development)
• Male
• Penis (drug effects, growth & development)
• Sex Characteristics
• Urogenital System (drug effects, growth & development)