Production of 3 alpha-androstanediol glucuronide in human genital skin.

3 alpha-Androstanediol glucuronide (3 alpha diol-G) is produced extrasplanchnically and is a good clinical marker of androgen action in peripheral tissues. However, the direct formation of androgen glucuronides in peripheral sites such as skin has not been determined in man. Genital skin from 21 premenopausal women and 8 men and foreskin from 6 neonates were incubated with either [14C]testosterone [14C]dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to determine the production of DHT glucuronide and 3 alpha diol-G in skin.

Measurements of 3 alpha,17 beta-androstanediol glucuronide in serum and urine and the correlation with skin 5 alpha-reductase activity.

Serum and urinary measurements of 3 alpha,17 beta-androstanediol glucuronide (3 alpha-diol G) reflect peripheral androgen action and have been useful clinically. This study was designed to compare these levels in hirsute women, normal premenopausal and postmenopausal women, and in men and to correlate each measurement with skin 5 alpha-reductase activity (5 alpha-RA), an excellent correlate of androgenicity. Although serum 3 alpha-diol G values were similar in premenopausal and postmenopausal women, values were higher in hirsute women and in men.

The effect of spironolactone on genital skin 5 alpha-reductase activity.

The effect of spironolactone (S) on genital skin 5 alpha-reductase activity (5 alpha-RA) of hirsute women (HW) in vivo as well as in normal genital skin in vitro was evaluated. Thirteen HW (Ferriman-Gallwey score of 23.3 +/- 2.