Testosterone prevents castration-induced reduction in peripheral benzodiazepine receptors in Cowper's gland and adrenal

Abstract

The effect of surgical castration of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats on peripheral and central benzodiazepine (BZ) receptors was studied. Following removal of the testes, a significant decrease in the density of peripheral BZ receptors (PBR) was observed in Cowper's glands (71%; P < 0.005) and the adrenal (31%; P < 0.01), but not in the heart. Administration of testosterone acetate (TA) prevented castration-induced PBR depletion. Orchiectomy per se, as well as TA administration to castrated rats, had no effects on central or peripheral BZ receptors in whole brain without the cerebellum. These results indicate the regulatory role of testosterone in the regulation of PBR in Cowper's glands and adrenal.