5α-Reductase

5α-Reductase is an enzyme that is involved in the metabolic pathway of steroids. It is responsible for the conversion of testosterone into the more potent androgen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This enzyme is found in various tissues in the body, including the prostate gland, skin, and hair follicles.

Function

5α-Reductase plays a crucial role in the androgen metabolism. It converts testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, into DHT. DHT is a more potent form of testosterone and is responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics.

Types

There are three known types of 5α-Reductase, which are distinguished by their different amino acid sequences and enzymatic activities. These are:

• Type I: This is the most common type and is found in the skin and hair follicles. It is also present in the liver and prostate.
• Type II: This type is primarily found in the prostate, seminal vesicles, and hair follicles. It is also present in the liver and skin.
• Type III: This type is less common and is found in the prostate and hair follicles.

Clinical significance

5α-Reductase is the target of certain drugs, known as 5α-reductase inhibitors. These drugs are used to treat conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). They work by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT, thereby reducing the levels of DHT in the body.

See also

• 5α-Reductase inhibitor
• Androgen
• Testosterone
• Dihydrotestosterone

5α-Reductase Resources
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