The Effects ofN,N-Diethyl-4-Methyl-3-Oxo-4-Aza-5α-Androstane-17yβ-Carboxamide, a 5α-Reductase Inhibitor and Antiandrogen, on the Development of Baldness in the Stumptail Macaque*

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Abstract
We used a primate model of male-pattern baldness to test the efficacy of a topically applied 5.alpha.-reductase inhibitor and antiandrogen (4-MA) in the prevention of baldness. Six periadolescent stumptail macaques were given daily topical applications of either 4-MA in dimethylsulfoxide or dimethylsulfoxide alone for 27 months. The three control monkeys developed varying degrees of baldness, while the three 4-MA-treated monkeys retained their juvenile pattern of hair growth. The percentage of actively growing hair follicles in the frontal scalp did not change in the 4-MA-treated group [46 .+-. 6 (.+-. SE) vs. 48 .+-. 4], while a significant decrease occurred in the control group (63 .+-. 6 vs. 25 .+-. 12; P < 0.025). Skin 5.alpha.-reductase activity was reduced in the scalp of the 4-MA-treated monkeys. We conclude that topical 4-MA can prevent the development of baldness in the stumptail macaque, a primate model of androgen-dependent baldness.