The molecular action of androgens are similar to other steroid hormones in that they bind to intracellular cytosolic receptors before directing specific DNA transcription and ultimately, protein synthesis.
However testosterone, the main endogenous androgen, may not be responsible for the majority of intracellular effects. Many target cells for testosterone contain the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. This converts testosterone into 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone. Dihydrotestosterone is more potent than its precursor.
The receptor for testosterone may be incorrectly formed as a result of a genetic defect. This can result in abnormalities of growth and differentiation as exemplified by testicular feminisation syndrome.
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