This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. The purpose of this study is to gain further understanding of the manner in which testosterone has its' effect on muscle function and sexual function in healthy young men. We know that in men, testosterone has important effects on skeletal muscle and on sexual function. However, the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (5AR), which converts testosterone to another active form called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), is present in relatively small amounts in skeletal muscle. The relative importance of the actions of testosterone and DHT in skeletal muscle and on sexual function in young men is not adequately characterized. In this study, we will administer dutasteride, a drug that blocks the action of 5-alpha reductase, and varying doses of testosterone to healthy young men who are also receiving Lupron, a GnRH agonist, which temporarily suppresses their natural testosterone production. Subjects will be randomly assigned to one of eight different groups such that each group will receive a different combination of 1) dutasteride or placebo, 2) One four doses of testosterone administered by weekly injection. Before and after treatment, we will assess lean body mass, muscle size, muscle strength, leg power and sexual function in all participants.
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