Testosterone is converted to 5-alpha-dihydroxytestosterone Authored: Jassal, B, 2010-01-25 EC Number: 1.3.99.5 Edited: Jassal, B, 2010-01-25 Pubmed17986282 Pubmed1944596 Pubmed2339109 Pubmed9208814 Pubmed9536209 Reactome Database ID Release 43469659 Reactome, http://www.reactome.org ReactomeREACT_22210 Reviewed: D'Eustachio, P, 2007-04-20 21:11:21 The conversion of testosterone to the most potent androgen, 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), is catalyzed by the microsomal 5alpha-steroid reductase enzymes, of which there are three reported types in humans to date (SRD5A1-3) (Andersson S and Russell DW, 1990; Andersson S et al, 1991; Uemura M et al, 2008 respectively). These enzymes are expressed in the prostate and other androgen target sites. Defects in SRD5A2 are the cause of pseudovaginal perineoscrotal hypospadias, also known as male pseudohermaphroditism (Anwar R et al, 1997). Corticotropin (Adrenocorticotropic hormone, ACTH) acts through the ACTH receptor called melanocortin receptor type 2 (MC2R) to stimulate steroidogenesis, increasing the production of androgens (McKenna et al, 1997).