Influence of hypothyroidism on epididymal enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Studies in pubertal and adult rats.
The influence of thyroidectomy on key epididymal enzymes of the Embden-Meyerhof and pentose phosphate pathway have been studied in pubertal and adult animals in relation to the serum hormone profile. Age related differences in the response of epididymal segments were observed with respect to hexokinase activity, although the other 2 key enzymes of the Embden-Meyerhof pathway (6-PFK and PK) were suppressed in all regions of the epididymis in both pubertal and adult rats. The enzymes involved in the pentose phosphate pathway (G-6-PDH and 6-PGDH) remained unaltered. The serum hormone profile revealed that while FSH and testosterone titres were reduced, LH and Prl were unaltered. Replacement of T4 in thyroidectomized animals maintained serum hormone levels and the activities of the enzymes studied at control levels. It is inferred that thyroid hormones may be one part of a complex mechanism that controls carbohydrate metabolism in the epididymis.
D000818:Animals; D050260:Carbohydrate Metabolism; D004822:Epididymis / Q000201:enzymology*; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000201:enzymology*; D008297:Male; D010428:Pentosephosphates / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012741:Sexual Maturation; D013963:Thyroid Hormones / Q000097:blood; D013965:Thyroidectomy
D010428:Pentosephosphates; D013963:Thyroid Hormones; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone