II alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone, a synthetic antiandrogen of low toxicity, was applied topically. In short-term experiments the sebum production of the forehead in normal male subjects was reduced significantly. The cholesterol concentration of sebum decreased to a greater extent. In long-term studies in patients with seborrhoea and male-pattern alopecia, the steroid caused a marked and constant reduction of greasiness of the hair. In this group also, the cholesterol concentration of the sebum obtained from scalp hair decreased more markedly than total sebum production. Possible effects of II alpha-hydroxyprogesterone on androgenic alopecia are discussed.
HCG was infused intravenously into normal male subjects. The doses administered were 500, 100 and 50 IU, respectively. During the initial phase of the infusions the plasma testosterone (T) levels decreased. Thirty minutes after starting the infusion of 500 and 100 IU HCG, respectively, the plasma testosterone increased. Significantly elevated values were observed 60 to 180 minutes after the cessation of HCG administration. The dihydrotestosterone (DHT) concentrations in the plasma showed a varying pattern. On the average this steroid also exhibited an increase in plasma following the HCG administration. From the results no conclusions can be drawn as to the extent to which the plasma concentrations of DHT have been influenced by a secretion from the testes or by a peripheral conversion of T into DHT.
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