Secretion of Testosterone in Anesthetized Dogs

Abstract

Secretion of testosterone in spermatic vein blood has been investigated in anesthetized dogs. Over a 120-min observation period, the rate of secretion declined in the “stressed” animal. The administration of beef ACTH or synthetic vasopressin did not influence testosterone production in the dog. Administration of ICSH(LH) resulted in a prompt increase in testosterone secretion, and in one dog receiving C¹⁴-acetate by the spermatic artery an increased incorporation of C14 into testosterone was found following LH administration intra-arterially. Since an FSH preparation containing a small amount of LH also will increase the secretion of testosterone when given intravenously, it is likely that a synergism exists between ICSH(LH) and FSH with regard to their immediate effect on the interstitial cell.