Androgenic control of N-acetyltransferase activity in the harderian glands of the Syrian hamster is mediated by 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone.

N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity in the Harderian glands of intact and gonadectomized male and female Syrian hamsters was evaluated. The exogenous administration of 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to castrated males and intact females produced an increase in NAT values, which reached the values present in the glands of intact males. The administration of a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor to intact males led to a decrease in NAT activity, suggesting that testosterone is converted in DHT within the glands. It is concluded that NAT activity in the Syrian hamster Harderian glands is under androgenic control, the active steroid being DHT.