A GLYCOSTATIC EFFECT OF TESTOSTERONE ON THE PERINEAL MUSCLES OF THE RAT1

Abstract

Castration in adult male rats for periods of 1-7 days was accompanied by a decrease in glycogen concn. in the striated muscles of the perineal complex. After periods of castration for 15-96 days, no difference in the glycogen concn. was found. Injn. of testosterone propionate into normal and castrated rats resulted in a marked increase in glycogen in these muscles. The effect of the hormone can be demonstrated within 24 hrs. after admn. Since testosterone propionate prevented the glycogen level from declining during a fast in the hypophysectomized animal, the effect is a direct one and testosterone can be said to exhibit "glycostatic" properties under these conditions. The concn. of glycogen in the liver and testes was not affected by testosterone propionate in the hypophysectomized rat.