Effect of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, estradiol, and prolactin on the weight and citric acid content of the lateral lobe of the rat prostate.

This study has been designed to investigate possible potentiation of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone by estradiol and prolactin in augmenting weight and citric acid content of the rat lateral prostate. Using these parameters, we hoped to indirectly assess the effect of estradiol and prolactin on 5alpha-reduction as it acts on the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotesterone. In the first part of the study, 87 castrate and 14 control rats were used to assess the effect of testosterone or dihydrotestosterone when supplemented with estradiol; in the second part of the study, 121 castrate-hypophysectomized rats separated into three groups according to age and stage of maturation were used to assess the effect of prolactin in supplementing testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. Estradiol appears to have a greater effect on 5alpha-reduction than does prolactin; however, other pathways of androgen metabolism are altered by these agents. These alternate pathways are discussed.