Formation of 5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol by normal and hypertrophic human prostate.

The 3-keto reduction of [1,2-3H]dihydrotestosterone to 3alpha- and 3beta-androstanediols was assessed in homogenates of 40 prostates obtained either at surgery or at medicolegal autopsy from men who had died suddenly. Formation of both androstanediols was demonstrable in cytosol and in microsomes, and both NADH and NADPH were effective cofactors for the two reactions. Formation of the two steroids was not influenced by storage of the gland for up to 8 h prior to processing. When NADPH was cofactor, the formation of 3alpha- and 3beta-androstanediol was significantly higher in microsomes and cytosol from hypertrophic than from normal glands.