A new dihydrotestosterone-forming index (DHTi)

A new index (DHTi) for the net formation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in a specific tissue is presented. This index is based on the main metabolic pathways forming DHT as well as on the main enzymatic activities removing DHT from the tissue. In the rat prostate, the DHTi is different in the various prostatic lobes. The index is highest in the ventral prostatic lobe, intermediate in the dorsal prostate and coagulating gland, and very low or undetectable in the seminal vesicles and the lateral prostatic lobe. With increasing age of the rats, the DHTi decreased. Testosterone treatment to old rats leads to an increased index.