Carbohydrate Metabolism of Animals Treated with Methyl Testosterone and Testosterone Propionate1

Abstract

That the use of methyl testosterone in patients is followed by a decrease in tolerance for glucose has been reported (1). In an attempt to explain the mechanism involved, studies have been extended to rabbits. Glucose tolerance and liver and muscle glycogen have been determined when no treatment has been given, and when methyl testosterone and testosterone propionate have been administered. The fact that there is a marked increase in the basal metabolic rate of the animal treated with methyl testosterone suggested that the hypermetabolism itself might be affecting the glucose tolerance in a manner similar to that operative in hyperthyroidism. To study this, determinations were made of the glucose tolerance of thyroidectomized rabbits before and after treatment with methyl testosterone. Rats were also treated with methyl testosterone and the values for liver glycogen compared with those in normal controls. Similarly, the liver glycogen of hy pophysectomised rats without treatment and with methyl testostero...