METABOLISM OF ANDROSTENEDIONE IN SKIN AND SERUM LEVELS OF GONADOTROPHINS AND ANDROGENS IN PREPUBERTAL BOYS WITH HYPOSPADIAS

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The metabolism of 4-[1,2-3H]androstene-3,17-dione in the prepuce, axillary skin and skin from the arm was investigated in 27 boys operated for phimosis (controls) and 13 unselected boys with hypospadias (a congenital defect of the male urethra). In all types of skin investigated, androstenedione was metabolized to 5α-androstane-3,17-dione, 3α-hydroxy-5α-androstan-17-one, 3β-hydroxy-5α-androstan-17-one and testosterone. Conversion to testosterone was found in the prepuce of two out of 11 boys with hypospadias. Mild forms of hypospadias in the age group 1–4 years had a higher level of 5α-reductase activity in the prepuce than controls in the same age group (P < 0·05); no such differences were found in the few severe cases of hypospadias in this group. No other differences in 5α-reductase activity were found between hypospadic boys and controls. The ratio of 5α-reductase activity in the prepuce: 5α-reductase activity in skin from the arm was significantly higher (PP<0·005). No differences were found in serum concentrations of androstenedione, testosterone, oestradiol and testosterone-binding globulin.