EARLY EFFECTS OF TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE ON THE SEMINAL VESICLES. OF CASTRATE RATS12

Abstract

Ten hrs. after the injn. of testosterone propionate into castrate rats the QO 2 wt., intracellular water, and fructose content of the seminal vesicles were increased. The QO2 of the glands 20 hrs. after injn. and the QO2 of normal mature glands were similar to the QO 2 at 10 hrs. The fructose content also rose between the 5th and 10th hrs.; thereafter, this concn. was maintained. The metabolic effects seem primary. The continued growth of the seminal vesicles and the further increase of the intracellular vol. were probably secondary effects of the hormone since the increased O2 uptake could furnish the energy necessary for synthesis,and the alteration of fluid distr. probably was the result of increased intracellular osmotic pressure. The anaerobic metabolism of the seminal vesicles was unchanged after the injn. of testosterone propionate. Succinate as substrate increased the QO 2 while addition of glucose or fumarate had no effect.