Inhibition of Rat Alpha-Reductases by Finasteride: Evidence for Isozyme Differences in the Mechanism of Inhibition

The study investigated the mechanism of inhibition of rat α-reductases by finasteride, a drug commonly used to treat hair loss. The researchers found that finasteride is a potent inhibitor of both types 1 and 2 5xR in rats, but there are species differences in the inhibition by finasteride in both potency and mechanism. The study provides evidence for isozyme differences in the mechanism of inhibition of rat α-reductases by finasteride, which may have implications for the clinical use of finasteride in the treatment of hair loss and other conditions.