METABOLISM OF SEX STEROIDS IN THE HUMAN AND CANINE VAS-DEFERENS

The contribution of the vas deferens to the metabolism of steroids was investigated in the human and in the dog by perfusion experiments and in vitro incubation. Perfusion of testosterone or androstenedione through the canine vas deferens resulted in the formation of dihydrotestosterone; no significant formation of estrogens could be detected. When dihydrotestosterone was perfused, 3α- and 3β-androstanediols were isolated. In vitro incubation experiments with human vas deferens have shown an active metabolism of androgens by this tissue and, therefore, confer a new role to the vas deferens in the male. © 1979 by The Endocrine Society.