HYPOPHYSEAL GONADOTROPHINS FOLLOWING GONADECTOMY IN MALE AND FEMALE ANDROGENIZED RATS

Abstract

Male and female rats were androgenized by a single injection of testosterone (17[beta]-hydroxy-androst-4-en-3-one) propionate on the 5th postpartum day. At 30 days of age, littermates were joined in parabiosis and one partner gonadectomized. Gonadotrophin release by the hypophysis of the gonadectomized member was evaluated by effects upon weight and histology of gonads and sex accessories in the intact partner. A total of 80 pairs in 9 combinations were used. Single animals of the same age served as controls. The results demonstrate that androgenized males have reduced testes and accessory weights at 60 days. However, the treatment does not adversely affect production or release of hypophyseal FSH or LH following castration. In androgenized females, removal of the ovaries results in increased FSH secretion only.