Abstract
We used a primate model of male-pattern baldness to test the efficacy of a topically applied 5α-reductase inhibitor and antiandrogen (4-MA) in the prevention of baldness. Six periadolescent stumptail macaques were given daily topical applications of either 4-MA in dimethylsulfoxide or dimethylsulfoxide alone for 27 months. The three control monkeys developed varying degrees of baldness, while the three 4-Mα-treated monkeys retained their juvenile pattern of hair growth. The percentage of actively growing hair follicles in the frontal scalp did not change in the 4-Mα-treated group [46 ± 6 (±se) vs. 48 ± 4], while a significant decrease occurred in the control group (63 ± 6 vs. 25 ± 12; P < 0.025). Skin 5α-reductase activity was reduced in the scalp of the 4-Mα-treated monkeys. We conclude that topical 4-MA can prevent the development of baldness in the stumptail macaque, a primate model of androgendependent baldness.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 188-193 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism |
Volume | 65 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 1987 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Biochemistry, medical