Effect of bovine testicular extracts on plasma gonadotrophins of X-irradiated rats.

Abstract

SummaryThe effect of bovine testicular extracts (bTE) on plasma FSH levels in both castrate and X-irradiated male rats has been examined. Biological activity was demonstrated in 34-day-old, orchidectomized rats with doses ranging from 50 to 250 mg. Testicular weights of X-irradiated rats 49 days after X irradiation were decreased by approximately 67%, whereas the ventral prostate weights were unaffected. Plasma FSH levels (383 ng/ml) increased significantly as a result of X irradiation (873 ng/ml). Plasma LH (51 ng/ml) also rose as a result of X irradiation (93 ng/ml), suggesting that there was some interstitial cell damage or some Sertoli cell damage. Two hundred and fifty milligrams of bTE administered in 4% gelatin given once daily for 3 days suppressed the elevated plasma FSH, but was without effect on plasma LH. Castration and a further 3 days of treatment resulted in a significant postcas-tration suppression in plasma FSH (control = 1942 ng/ml; bTE = 1283 ng/ml), and resulted in a suppression of LH ...