EXAM #5: ANDROGENS, ANTIANDROGENS, ED Flashcards
Where is Testosterone synthesized?
1) Leydig cells of the Testes (de novo)
2) Adrenal cortex (low potency androgens that get converted)
What does the hypothalamus produce in the synthetic pathway of the androgens?
GnRH
What does they pituitary produce in the synthetic pathway of the androgens?
LH and FSH
What is the function of LH?
1) LH binds Leydig cells in testes
2) Induces the production and secretion of testosterone
3) Testosterone diffuses into the Sertoli cells
What is the function of Testosterone in the Sertoli cells?
Stimulation of spermatogenesis
What is the function of FSH?
- Induces the synthesis of Androgen Binding Protein (ABP) by Sertoli cells
- ABP concentrates Testosterone at the site of spermatogenesis in the Sertoli cells
Describe Testosterone’s feedback in the HPA axis.
Testosterone directly inhibits:
1) LSH and FSH from pituitary
2) GnRH from hypothalamus
What is the function of 17a-hydroxylase in the synthesis of the androgens?
Converts androstenedione to testosterone
What is the function of 5a-reductase in the synthesis of androgens?
Converts testosterone to DHT
*Note that DHT will inhibit the secretion of GnRH and LH
What are the two general effects of the androgens?
1) Androgenic
2) Metabolic effects
What are the “androgenic” effects of the androgens?
- Growth/ development of male reproductive tract
- Male secondary sex characteristics
What are the metabolic effects of the androgens?
Actions on non-reproductive tissue e.g.
- Muscle growth
- Liver production of serum proteins
- Kidney, stimulates EPO
- Bone growth
- Bone marrow stem cell production
What are the three therapeutic androgen preparations?
Methyltestosterone
Testosterone enanthate
Testosterone
What is the problem with oral Testosterone? How is this combated?
Low bioavailability b/c it undergoes extensive first pass metabolism
Administered topically in a gel or transdermal patch
Structurally, how does Testosterone Enanthate differ from Testosterone?
Fatty acid conjugated to Testosterone via an ESTER bond
How is Testosterone Enanthate administered?
Dissolved in oil and administered IM
What is the colloquial name for 17-alkylated derivatives of Testosterone?
Anabolic steroids
This was an attempt to make a drug with METABOLIC effects and without androgenic effects
What is the hallmark 17-alkyated testosterone derivative?
Methyltestosterone