Effects of testosterone propionate and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) on the activity of nonspecific esterases in the house mouse.

Abstract

NMRI mice were treated with testosterone propionate (TSP) and PCB. The effect on nonspecific esterase activity and the relative activities of the various molecular forms of nonspecific esterases were noted. The activity of most molecular forms is sex specific in serum, liver and kidney. Administration of TSP affects the sex specificity, especially in serum. The kidney is most sensitive to TSP. There is a general difference between liver and kidney in the response to TSP. Administration of PCB causes changes in activity and distribution of different molecular forms. There seems to be no connection between TSP and PCB in their effects on nonspecific esterases.