The RIA is extremely sensitive but lacks specificity and is subject to cross-reactivity with structurally related compounds. The wide range of reported blood hormone levels in Japanese quail lead us to the concept of Definitive Reference Methods against which the accuracy of RIA methods can be compared. William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY 14456. Androgens, male sex steroid hormones, are responsible for the control of prostate growth. Testosterone, an androgen, is converted to 5 alpha-DHT by the enzyme 5 alpha reductase.
Animal models are important in human research.
Lab rats are comonly chosen, but lack a prostate so male Japanese quail were used in this study. In this study, an inhibitor of 5 alpha reductase will be used to test its effects on cloacal gland size. This research has implications in the treatment of prostate cancer and benign prostate hypertrophy. The Use of Molecular Modeling to Design HIV-I Protease Inhibitor Candidates. Conformational rigidity or lack of flexibility has been suggested as one of the discriminating factors between a strong inhibitor and a weak one.