In vivo observations of the seminal vesicles of castrated rats and the responses to various steroids.

Abstract

ABSTRACT In a study of seminal vesicle reactivity to a number of steroids, young adults rats were castrated and 14 days later were started on 7 daily subcutaneous injections of 0.1 ml sesame oil, with or without an added steroid. Ten groups containing 7 to 12 animals each were established: 1) sesame oil; 2–4) 10 μg, 50 μg and 100 μg testosterone propionate; 5–6) 10 μg and 500 μg oestradiol benzoate; 7–8) 100 μ and 500 μg progesterone; 9–10) 100 μg and 500 μg corticosterone. After the course of injections the seminal vesicles were studied by the quartz rod transillumination method of Knisely. The investigation was carried out as a »double-blind study«; one investigator recording his observations without knowledge of the treatment. Following castration there was a marked decrease in the number of small vessels, a derangement of the vascular pattern and a slowing of the rate of blood flow. There were also changes in tissue transparency and granularity and an increase in spontaneous, rhythmic contractions of the vesicles. Treatment with oestradiol benzoate, progesterone, corticosterone, and 10 μg testosterone propionate appeared to cause no alteration in the vesicle of the castrate. Vesicles of animals injected with 50 μg of testosterone propionate had essentially normal vasculature and parenchyma but continued to contract rhythmically, while those treated with 100 μg of testosterone propionate had vesicles restored to normal in every way but size.