Attenuation by a 5a-Reductase Inhibitor of the Activational Effect of Testosterone Propionate on Penile Erections in Castrated Male Rats*

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Abstract
Daily administration of an inhibitor of 5α-reductase, 17β-testosterone carboxylic acid, significantly attenuated the stimulatory effect of testosterone propionate on penile erections displayed by castrated male rats which were restrained in a supine position. This treatment, however, failed to affect mating behavior in tests with sexually receptive females. The inhibitory effect of 17β-testosterone carboxylic acid on erection was reversed by concurrent administration of 5α-dihydrotestosterone propionate, suggesting that the 5α-reduced metabolite (s) of testosterone may normally contribute to the activation of penile erection in the rat.