Androgens
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Androgens are substances which stimulate the male accessory organs and produce the secondary sex characteristics.
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The major androgens of importance are testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and androstenedione.
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Testosterone is converted to:
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Androgens are produced in the leydig cells of the testes and testosterone is also produced in the epididymis of the stallion.
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In the male androgens stimulate spermatogenesis, growth, and development and fluid secretions of the testes, secondary male characteristics and muscle development.
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In the female, they are the main precursors of estrogen synthesis within the follicle.
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They also act as part of the negative feed back system to control LH and FSH secretion.
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In animals, there are only limited uses of androgens to control reproduction.
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Testosterone has anabolic effects leading to increased protein synthesis, retention of potassium and phosphorus, increased bone growth, cartilage and other tissues and increased erythropoiesis by secreting erythropoietin.
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They are used to treat infertility and impotency with varying success.
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Androgens are also administered to cows and heifers to use them as detectors of oestrus.
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Last modified: Thursday, 26 April 2012, 5:14 AM