EFFECT OF TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE, ESTRADIOL BENZOATE AND DESOXYCORTICOSTERONE ACETATE ON THE KIDNEYS OF ADULT RATS11

Abstract

102 adult [male] and [female] rats were given daily doses of testosterone propionate (0.5 to 12.5 mg.), estradiol benozate (0.01 to 0.04 mg.) and desoxycorticosterone acetate (0.5 to 1.0 mg.) alone and in combinations for periods of 14-42 days. The wet and dry renal wts. and histological findings were studied, with controls. Significant increases in the wet kidney wts. were produced by testosterone propionate, estradiol benzoate and desoxycorticosterone acetate in the [male][male]; similar but less marked changes were noted in the [female][female]. Testosterone propionate appeared to have the most marked effect and an optimal effective daily dose was demonstrated. The dry wts. were increased by testosterone propionate and desoxycorticosterone acetate but not by estradiol benzoate; this observation together with the histologic findings indicated an increase in parenchymatous renal tissue after the adm. of testosterone propionate and desoxycorticosterone acetate and cortical edema after estradiol benzoate. The simultaneous adm. of these steroids produced further renal changes representing an additive effect of the individual hormones. The possible clinical significance of these observations is discussed.