Synthesis of androgens in vitro by testes of rats acclimatized to a hot environment.

Abstract

SUMMARY The relative activities of enzymes participating in the biosynthesis of testosterone via the 4-ene pathway were determined in testicular homogenates of rats acclimatized to a hot environment (33–35 °C, 25–40% relative humidity). Acclimatized animals showed an increase in activity of 17α-hydroxylase, 17,20-lyase and 20α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase, whereas the activity of 17β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase was markedly decreased. Histological examination of the testes disclosed that neither the germinal epithelium nor the Leydig cells were adversely affected by the increased environmental temperature. The results are discussed in relation to the synthesis and release of the gonadotrophins. A similar degree of acclimatization, as determined by the comparable decrease in oxygen uptake, was achieved by either of two methods: daily 4 h exposure to a high ambient temperature for 4 weeks or continuous maintenance at 35 °C. The former procedure, however, appeared to be the preferred method for acclimatization of male rats since it did not inhibit growth rate and was free of mortality.