Proluminal movement of 3H-androgen across the epididymal epithelium in the rat after hypophysectomy and gonadotropin supplementation.
The effects of hypophysectomy and gonadotropin replacement on transepithelial movement of 3H-androgen in the rat epididymis were examined by in vivo microperifusion of 3H-testosterone followed by in vivo micropuncture to obtain peritubular and intraluminal fluid. In the caput epididymidis of normal rats, intraluminal 3H-androgen concentrations were approximately 300% of those in the interstitial space. In contrast, proluminal movement of 3H-androgen into rat caput epididymal tubules was significantly decreased 10 days after hypophysectomy. 3H-Testosterone movement across the caput epididymal epithelium was completely returned to normal by supplementation with 24 micrograms/day follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or 24 micrograms/day luteinizing hormone (LH). However, neither 0.12 micrograms/day FSH nor 250 micrograms/day prolactin returned proluminal androgen movement to normal. It is speculated that epididymal uptake of peritubular testosterone is mediated by androgen-binding protein, which is known to be secreted by Sertoli cells after stimulation by FSH or testosterone.
Yamamoto
M
M
Department of Urology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville 22908.
Turner
T T
TT
D000818:Animals; D001692:Biological Transport / Q000187:drug effects; D004822:Epididymis / Q000378:metabolism*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000378:metabolism; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology; D006065:Gonadotropins, Pituitary / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007016:Hypophysectomy; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D010477:Perfusion; D011388:Prolactin / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013739:Testosterone / Q000378:metabolism*
D006065:Gonadotropins, Pituitary; D013739:Testosterone; D011388:Prolactin; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone