Effect of Gonadotropins and Prostaglandin on 3′ : 5′-Cyclic Amp Synthesis in Young Rat Testis

Abstract

In recent years numerous studies have shown that 3′,5′-cyclic AMP (cAMP) is an intracellular mediator of the actions of a number of different hormones (Major & Kilpatrick, 1972). LH stimulates the testis to synthesize androgens (Eik-Nes, 1971). Recent reports have indicated that LH and FSH stimulate adenyl cyclase activity in rat testicular preparations (Kuehl et al., 1970b). In addition, it has been reported that cAMP stimulate testosterone synthesis when added in vitro to rat testis (Sandler & Hall, 1966). It is thus probable that the action of LH on testis is mediated by cAMP. It has been demonstrated that the testis of newborn rats are hormonally active and perform a significant physiological function (Harris, 1964). The purpose of this investigation is to study the stimulatory effects of gonadotropin and prostaglandin on the levels of cAMP in rat testis in the early postnatal period.