
Figure 2b. Specific actions of 5α-Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). T is synthesized in the testis under control of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary. After entering the target cells (in the urogenital sinus, urogenital tubercle, and several additional androgen target tissues) T is metablized to 5α-Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the enzyme 5α-Reductase type 2. DHT binds directly to the androgen receptor (AR) and the complex DHT-AR interacts to specific DNA sequences and regulates gene transcription, which can result in differentiation and development of the prostate, the external genitalia and at puberty in several secondary male characteristics.