Inhibition of Sα‐reductase does not simulate the effects of androgen deprivation on porphyrin metabolism by Harderian glands from the male Syrian hamster

As Sα‐reductase is involved in the metabolism of indolamines in the Harderian glands of Syrian hamsters, we have compared the effects of androgen deprivation and the administration of the potent Sα‐reductase inhibitor N, N‐diethyl‐4‐methoxy‐3‐oxo‐4‐aza‐5‐androstene‐17‐carboxamida on Harderian porphyrin metabolism. Ten days after castration, porphyrin levels had increased to 40 times the values of intact hamsters. However, the inhibition of Sa‐reductase, which resulted in a significant decrease in the weight of accessory sex glands, did not modify porphyrin concentrations within the Harderian glands. It is concluded that, contrary to the situation for indolamine metabolism, testosterone per se is the main androgen involved in the sexual differences observed in Harderian porphyrin metabolism.