title: [Effect of large-dosage of 5alpha-reductase inhibitors on the spermatogenesis of male rats].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify the role of 5alpha-reductase in the spermatogenesis of male rats by studying the effect of two 5alpha-reductase inhibitors, Epristeride and Finasteride, on the spermatogenesis in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats.
  
  
  METHODS
  Changes in the weight of the testis, serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels, epididymal sperm count, and reproductive function were observed and analyzed after the two 5alpha-reductase inhibitors were administered to male SD rats orally.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The experiment showed that in comparison with control animals, both the two 5alpha-reductase inhibitors: 1. suppressed the development of the prostate and reduced the weight of the testis in the experimental groups (P < 0.05); 2. decreased the serum level of dihydrotestosterone and enhanced testosterone; 3. inhibited epididymal sperm count and productive function.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  High dosages of the 5alpha-reductase inhibitor, Epristeride, can suppress the development of the prostate and reduce the weight of the testis, decrease dihydrotestosterone, and inhibit spermatogenesis and productive function in male rats.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
authors.forename: Xiao-dong
authors.initials: XD
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Yue
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Jia
authors.forename: Yu-gui
authors.initials: YG
authors.lastname: Cui
authors.forename: Xing-hai
authors.initials: XH
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Jian-sun
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Tong
authors.forename: Ding-zhi
authors.initials: DZ
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.forename: Rui-fen
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Cai
authors.forename: Fu-song
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Di
mesh_terms: D058891:5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; D000730:Androstadienes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D018120:Finasteride / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D058891:5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; D000730:Androstadienes; C072547:epristeride; D018120:Finasteride