Estimating the contribution of the prostate to blood dihydrotestosterone.
The prostate strongly expresses type 2 5 alpha-reductase, which avidly converts on entry most testosterone (T) to 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). However, the quantitative contribution of the prostate to blood DHT is uncertain. We evaluated prostatic contribution to blood DHT by comparing the blood DHT concentrations in androgen-deficient patients with or without a prostate while they were receiving standard dose of T replacement. Androgen-deficient males (ADM) and female to male (F2M) transsexuals were studied in 2 centers, with both groups receiving either testosterone ester injections (250 mg mixed T esters) every 1 wk (Amsterdam) or 800 mg subdermal T implantation (Sydney). Among 39 Dutch patients, F2M (n = 21) were younger and smaller in physique than ADM (n = 18). One week (+/-1 d) after an injection, plasma DHT concentrations were 1.6 +/- 0.2 (F2M) vs. 1.4 +/- 0.2 (ADM) nmol/liter (P = 0.47), but the postinjection time interval to blood sampling was shorter in F2M (5.9 +/- 0.4 vs. 7.2 +/- 0.3 d; P = 0.01). Covariance adjustment for time since last injection, age, and physique did not change the lack of significant difference in postinjection plasma DHT concentration. The rapid and wide excursions in plasma T concentrations after an im T ester injection make the timing of blood sampling critical. To remove confounding by this variable, the experiment was repeated at a second site in similar patients, but using a depot T that achieves steady-state delivery for prolonged periods. Among 29 Australian patients, before and 1 month after subdermal implantation of 800 mg T, plasma DHT concentrations were not significantly different between groups [F2M, 1.1 +/- 0.1 (n = 14); ADM, 1.3 +/- 0.1 (n = 15); P = 0.28]. Correction for covariates, including age, height, weight, body surface area, and body mass index, did not influence the lack of significant difference between treated groups. As both modes of T administration yielded similar plasma DHT concentrations regardless of the presence of a prostate, this study indicates that the normal human prostate is not a major contributor to circulating blood DHT concentrations.
Toorians
Arno W F T
AW
Department of Endocrinology/Andrology, Vrije Universiteit University Medical Center, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Kelleher
Sharyn
S
Gooren
Louis J
LJ
Jimenez
Mark
M
Handelsman
David J
DJ
D013741:3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase / Q000378:metabolism; D000728:Androgens / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013196:Dihydrotestosterone / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011467:Prostate / Q000378:metabolism*; D011468:Prostatectomy; D013739:Testosterone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014189:Transsexualism
D000728:Androgens; D013196:Dihydrotestosterone; D013739:Testosterone; D013741:3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase