ABSTRACT
There is now considerable evidence for rapid, non-genomic effects of steroids, including androgens. Non-genomic steroid action is distinguished from genomic effects by
rapid onset (seconds to minutes) that is faster than genomic • mechanisms; insensitivity to inhibition of RNA and protein synthesis; • inability of steroids to access the nucleus (either covalently • linked to impermeable membrane macromolecules or in cells lacking a nucleus); and inability to be blocked by classical antagonists, owing to • different steroidal specificity from classical cognate nuclear receptors.
