Effect of dihydrotestosterone on serum concentrations of alpha 2u-globulin and on spermatogenesis in melatonin-treated rats.
Adult male rats were given s.c. injections of melatonin (400 micrograms/100 g body weight per day) for 14 days. On day 15, the weights of the testis and accessory sex organs were less, testicular 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17 beta-HSD) activity was inhibited, spermatogenesis was suppressed and serum levels of gonadotrophins, testosterone and alpha 2u-globulin were decreased compared with control animals injected with vehicle. In a third group of rats given the same dose of melatonin for 14 days, administration of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) at a dose of 25 micrograms/100 g body weight per day on days 8-14 resulted in serum levels of alpha 2u-globulin, FSH, LH and testosterone and testicular 17 beta-HSD activity similar to those seen in vehicle-injected control animals. Weights of the testes and accessory sex organs and spermatogenesis were normal after administration of DHT in melatonin-treated rats. In another group of rats, the depressive effects of melatonin treatment on plasma gonadotrophins were reversed by the administration of alpha 2u-globulin on days 8-14. It was concluded that treatment with DHT prevents the depressive action of melatonin on testicular function by inducing the synthesis of alpha 2u-globulin.
Mandal
H
H
Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, India.
Ghosh
P K
PK
Biswas
N M
NM
D015067:17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / Q000378:metabolism; D000510:Alpha-Globulins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D013196:Dihydrotestosterone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000187:drug effects*; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D000510:Alpha-Globulins; C013803:alpha 2u globulin; D013196:Dihydrotestosterone; D013739:Testosterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D015067:17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; C032690:3-alpha-(17-beta)-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (NAD(+)); D008550:Melatonin