Aldose reductase and ketose reductase in male accessory organs of reproduction. Distribution and relation to seminal fructose

Abstract

The activity of aldose reductase and ketose reductase (sorbitol dehydrogenase) has been determined quantitatively in the male accessory organs of rat, ram, bull, boar, and stallion. The ability of an accessory-organ tissue to produce fructose has been shown to coincide with the presence of aldose reductase. Glands which lack this enzyme were devoid of the ability to form fructose, but formed citric acid instead. Administration of testosterone to a castrated animal stimulated the production of fructose, and increased simultaneously the activity of both aldose reductase and ketose reductase.