Effects of cyproterone acetate and carboxylic acid derivatives on the sebaceous glands of the Syrian hamster.

The Syrian hamster ear model was used to study effects of the anti-androgen cyproterone acetate and of the anti-lipogenic compound 17beta-carboxylic acid methyl ester and its ethyl ester. The steroid derivatives were applied topically in a 1-2% concentration or given systemically. Response of sebaceous gland was measured by means of cell proliferation (3H-TdR autoradiography) and by gland size (histoplanimetry). Cyproterone acetate significantly reduced the labelling and the planimetric value, both topically and systemically. The carboxylic acid derivatives, which block the 5alpha-reductase were ineffective. The new animal model is a sensitive and suitable means to study inhibition of sebum production.