Nuclear androgen receptors in the prostate of male Praomys (Mastomys) Natalensis

The binding of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) within the nuclear fraction of the prostate of male Praomys (Mastomys) Natalensis has been investigated. Using in vivo or in vitro labelling with 3H-DHT, the presence of a receptor protein having a sedimentation coefficient of 3.0 S was demonstrated. The binding was shown to be specific towards DHT and could not be found in control tissue. Analysis of radiometabolites associated with the steroid receptor complex demonstrated that the majority of the bound steroid was DHT. The similarity between this steroid receptor complex and that of rat ventral prostate, together with the potential use of this experimental model are discussed.