The in-vitro and in-vito effects of diethylstilbestrol on testicular synthesis of testosterone.
The effect of diethylstilbestrol (DES) on the percent conversion of a 14C-progesterone (14C-P) substrate to 14C-testosterone (14C-T) when added to incubates fo rat testicular homogenates has been measured. Similarly the effect of DES administered parenterally to intact adult rats at 9 dose regimens on such conversion has been evaluated. In addition, in the latter group serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were assessed simultaneously. DES added in-vitro significantly reduced T formation at every level. Only the large parenteral dose of DES affected T synthesis after 24 hours, while every parenteral dose significantly reduced T synthesis with 4 and 8 day regimens. Mean serum LH levels failed to reflect a significant decrease at the 1 and 4 day dose level, but did decrease significantly in 2 of 3 groups on the 8 day regimen. These results suggest that there is a direct effect of DES at a testicular level inhibiting T synthesis not associated with a simultaneous drop in mean serum LH levels. A measurable decrease in LH concentration does occur with continued treatment.
D000818:Animals; D004054:Diethylstilbestrol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D011374:Progesterone / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D013997:Time Factors
D013739:Testosterone; D011374:Progesterone; D004054:Diethylstilbestrol