Steroid 5α-reductase isozymes in the adult female rat brain: central role of dihydrotestosterone
J. M. Torres; E. Ortega
Journal of Molecular Endocrinology2006
Summary (paraphrased)
5-alpha-reductase exists as two isoforms, type 1 associated with catabolic functions and type 2 with sexually dimorphic functions, and the authors had previously shown both are present and oppositely regulated by androgens in the adult male rat brain. This study extends that mapping to the adult female rat brain, examining the distribution and regulation of both isozymes in the central nervous system. The work demonstrates that the brain expresses its own 5-alpha-reductase machinery independent of gonadal status, with regional specificity. It establishes the anatomical and regulatory foundation for understanding how systemic 5-AR inhibitors reach and act on brain neurosteroid synthesis.
Why it’s in the corpus
Maps the brain's own 5-AR isozyme machinery — the direct anatomical substrate that finasteride acts on centrally, grounding the neurosteroid-synthesis pillar.
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