Open AccessIntracrine and Myotrophic Roles of 5α-Reductase and Androgens
Author(s) -
Joshua F. Yarrow,
Sean C. McCoy,
Stephen E. Borst
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
medicine and science in sports and exercise
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.703
H-Index - 224
eISSN - 1530-0315
pISSN - 0195-9131
DOI - 10.1249/mss.0b013e31823bfcbf
Subject(s) - intracrine , androgen , androgen receptor , skeletal muscle , testosterone (patch) , dihydrotestosterone , endocrinology , dehydroepiandrosterone , medicine , biology , chemistry , receptor , hormone , prostate cancer , paracrine signalling , cancer
Historically, the circulation was thought to be the primary source of androgens influencing skeletal muscle. However, a growing body of research indicates that skeletal muscle expresses several androgen-synthesizing enzymes, including 5α-reductase. The intramuscular expression of these enzymes suggests that skeletal muscle is capable of synthesizing bioactive androgens, which could induce myotrophic effects via intracrine action.