Attenuation by a 5a-Reductase Inhibitor of the Activational Effect of Testosterone Propionate on Penile Erections in Castrated Male Rats*
endo.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/109/4/1047
(Attenutation = reduction)
Abstract
Daily administration of an inhibitor of 5-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 5-dihydrotestosterone propionate, suggesting that the 5-reduced metabolite (s) of testosterone may normally contribute to the activation of penile erection in the rat.