Androgen metabolism into the human salivary glands

The known difference of the salivary/free plasma testosterone ratio between normal males and females could be related to the androgen metabolism into the salivary glands. In order to confirm this hypothesis the authors have measured, testosterone (T), androstenedione (A), 5 alpha -dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on matched plasma and saliva (S) samples from 11 males and 10 females both healthy and affected by various endocrine pathologies. Results reveal the relevant role of the different enzymatic activity on the androgen metabolism into salivary glands and clarifies the biological significance of salivary androgens.