The effects on FSH secretion of systemic injection or implantation of testosterone into the hypothalamopituitary region were evaluated in normal and castrated male rats. FSH was assayed by the method of Steelman and Pohley. Injection of 4 mg of testosterone propionate s.c. every other day for 35 days increased pituitary FSH concentration and content and reduced anterior pituitary weight in both normal and castrated rats. There was an increase in weights of seminal vesicles and prostates. In castrates, the androgen lowered plasma FSH levels. Bilateral implants of testosterone in the anterior pituitary mimicked the response to systemic injection of the steroid, since pituitary FSH content and concentration were increased and pituitary weight was decreased. Plasma FSH was lowered in castrates by the pituitary implants of testosterone as well. Single midline median-eminence implants of the steroid were ineffective in altering pituitary FSH in normals or castrates and failed to lower plasma FSH in castrates. Implants of testosterone in the hypothalamopituitary region did not modify testicular or accessory sex organ weights. It was concluded that testosterone can inhibit FSH secretion in the male rat by a direct action on the anterior pituitary.

Keywords:
Testosterone, Castration, FSH, Median eminence, Pituitary
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© 1972 S. Karger AG, Basel
1972
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