5α-Reductase inhibitory and anti-androgenic activities of some 4-azasteroids in the rat

Abstract Inhibition of 5 α -reductase and anti-androgenicity were studied in rats treated with various 4-azasteroids. The known inhibitor, N,N-diethyl-4-methyl-3-oxo-4-aza-5 α -androstane-17 β -carboxamide (4-MA) served as a reference compound, and analogs of this basic molecule were assayed. Enhancement of enzyme inhibitory potency was usually seen with Δ 1 analogs, whereas reduction in activity was noted with substitutuents such as Δ 5 , a spirotetrahydrofuran ring at C-17 or 4-deaza groups. Many of the 4-azasteroids had a much greater oral anti-androgenic effect against testosterone propionate (TP) than dihydrotestosterone propionate (DHTP). This difference in activity versus the two androgens is believed to reflect the necessity for TP to undergo reduction to DHT before becoming capable of stimulating prostatic growth. Inhibition of 5 α -reductase by active compounds prevented the conversion, thereby producing an anti-androgenic effect. In this regard, certain Δ 1 analogs of 4-MA, particularly those bearing a 17 β -(N-tert butylcarbamoyl) group, proved very effective against TP but were relatively inactive versus DHTP.