Regulation of the activity of 5alpha-RA and the production of DHT in body hair
Figure 2. Proposed regulation of the activity of 5
-RA
and the production of DHT in body hair. Peripheral 5-RA
activity is increased by local growth factors and circulating androgens.
This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of T or androstenedione (A4) to DHT.
In body hair DHT stimulates 1) increased sebum production; 2) the differentiation
of the hair follicle from vellus to terminal hairs; and 3) the prolongation
of the anagen phase resulting in longer thicker hairs.
Source: Endocr Rev 2000 Aug;21(4):347-62
Edited by Aldo Campana,