Hormonal factors influencing liver catalase activity in mice. Testicular and adrenal factors

Abstract

Castraction of young adult male albino mice produces a depression in liver catalase activity. The level is restored by the injn. of testosterone. Injn. of testosterone into female mice elevates their normal level to that of the male. Adrenalectomy in both sexes results in a depression in liver catalase activity. Cortisone, but not progesterone or deoxy-corticosterone, restores the normal level. Cortisone has little effect on the liver catalase level of castrated or normal mice, and testosterone has no more effect on adrenalectomized than on normal female mice. Although adrenalectomy of castrated males results in a further fall in liver catalase level, castration of adrenalectomized males does not The ultimate level is the same in whichever order the operations are done. A mixture of cortisone and testosterone is needed to restore to normal the liver catalase activity of a castrated and adrenalectomized male, neither alone being adequate. Testosterone has the same effect on an adrenalectomized as on a castrated and adrenalectomized male.