RESUMO
Las enfermedades críticas presentan cambios en el eje hipotálamo-hipófiso-tiroideo que dependen de la patología y de la gravedad de la misma. La Insuficiencia Renal Crónica es una patología grave con un alto índice de morbimortalidad. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar las hormonas del eje tiroideo en pacientes renales crónicos en hemodiálisis (HD) y su utilidad como pronosticadores de morbilidad. Se estudiaron pacientes renales crónicos de un Servicio de nefrología y hemodiálisis y se comparó con un grupo control (CT) sin enfermedad renal y/o tiroidea. Se monitoreó al enfermo pre (pre-DL) y posdiálisis (pos-DL), se realizó un seguimiento durante un año y se lo agrupó según el tiempo de permanencia bajo HD. Se evaluaron concentraciones de tirotrofina (TSH), triiodotironina (T3), tiroxina (T4) y tiroxina libre (T4L) y parámetros bioquímicos sensibles al estado del paciente: urea, creatinina, albúmina y proteínas totales. Las muestras pre-DL evidenciaron un aumento significativo en los niveles de TSH (p<0.05), con un descenso también significativo de T3 y de T4 y T4L aunque de menor magnitud (p<0.05) con respecto al CT. En el procedimiento de diálisis se observó una fluctuación transitoria de los niveles de las hormonas tiroideas (p<0.05), con una concentración máxima en la muestra pos-DL y mínima en la pre-DL, sin modificación en TSH. Durante el seguimiento de los pacientes detectamos una tendencia descendente de T3. Además, se constató un aumento de TSH y una disminución de T3 (p<0.05) en pacientes con mayor tiempo de permanencia en HD. Además, comprobamos una correlación directa entre TSH y urea e inversa entre TSH y albúmina, y correlaciones inversa entre T3 y urea y directa entre T3 y albúmina. Nuestro estudio muestra las modificaciones hormonales en el eje tiroideo debido a la enfermedad y al procedimiento de diálisis y la posible utilidad de T3 como otro indicador de morbilidad en estos pacientes.
Severe illness induces various hormonal changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. Chronic renal failure is a serious condition showing a high mortality index. The aim of this work was to evaluate thyroid hormone level in chronic renal patients under hemodialysis in order to estimate its potential use as morbidity / mortality indicator. We studied chronic renal patients from Nephrology and Hemodialysis Units of our Hospital and compared them with a control group (CT) without renal or thyroid pathology. We evaluated patients before (pre-dialysis) and after dialysis (post-dialysis) during one year. We then classified patients according to the duration of their hemodialysis treatment. We assessed Thyrotropin (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and free thyroxine (T4L) levels and other biochemical indicators: urea, creatinine, albumin, and total protein. Pre-dialysis samples showed higher TSH levels (p<0.05), a significant decrease in T3, and a lower decrease in T4 and T4L than CT. During the dialysis procedure, we observed a fluctuation in thyroid hormone levels (p<0.05), higher in post-dialysis samples, and no changes in TSH levels. The one- year follow- up showed a low decrease in T3 levels in pre- and post-dialysis samples. An increase in TSH levels and a decrease in T3 levels (p<0.05) was observed in patients after long hemodialysis treatment. Renal patients showed a direct correlation between TSH and urea and inverse correlation between TSH and albumin. However, an inverse correlation between T3 and urea and a direct correlation between T3 and albumin was observed. This study shows that thyroid-hormonal changes are induced by pathology and dialysis treatment. We suggest T3 measurement as a useful morbidity indicator for chronic renal patients.
Assuntos
Masculino , Feminino , Tiroxina/sangue , Tri-Iodotironina/sangue , Tireotropina/sangue , Insuficiência Renal Crônica/terapia , Prognóstico , Morbidade , Diálise RenalRESUMO
Testicular inflammation with compromised fertility can occur despite the fact that the testis is considered an immunoprivileged organ. Testicular macrophages have been described as cells with an immunosuppressor profile, thus contributing to the immunoprivilege of the testis. Experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) is a model of organ-specific autoimmunity and testicular inflammation. EAO is characterized by an interstitial inflammatory mononuclear cell infiltration, damage of the seminiferous tubules and germ cell apoptosis. Here we studied the phenotype and functions of testicular macrophages during the development of EAO. By stereological analysis, we detected an increased number of resident (ED2+) and non-resident (ED1+) macrophages in the testicular interstitium of rats with orchitis. We showed that this increase was mainly due to monocyte recruitment. The in vivo administration of liposomes containing clodronate in rats undergoing EAO led to a reduction in the number of testicular macrophages, which correlated with a decreased incidence and severity of the testicular damage and suggests a pathogenic role of macrophages in EAO. By immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry we detected an increased number of testicular macrophages expressing MHC class II, CD80 and CD86 costimulatory molecules in rats with orchitis. Also, testicular macrophages from rats with EAO showed a higher production of IFNgamma (ELISA). We conclude that testicular macrophages participate in EAO development, and the ED1+ macrophage subset is the main pathogenic subpopulation. They stimulate the immune response through the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and antigen presentation and thus activation of T cells in the target organ.
Assuntos
Doenças Autoimunes/imunologia , Macrófagos/imunologia , Orquite/imunologia , Testículo/imunologia , Animais , Apoptose , Doenças Autoimunes/sangue , Doenças Autoimunes/patologia , Antígeno B7-1/análise , Antígeno B7-2/análise , Contagem de Células , Ácido Clodrônico , Citocinas/sangue , Citometria de Fluxo , Hormônio Foliculoestimulante/sangue , Técnicas Imunoenzimáticas , Hormônio Luteinizante/sangue , Ativação Linfocitária , Masculino , Modelos Animais , Orquite/sangue , Orquite/patologia , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Espermatozoides/patologia , Linfócitos T/imunologia , Testosterona/sangueRESUMO
There are few data for hormonal levels and testis structure and function during postnatal development in rats neonatally treated with monosodium L-glutamate (MSG). In our study, newborn male pups were ip injected with MSG (4 mg/g body weight) every 2 d up to 10 d of age and investigated at prepubertal and adult ages. Plasma levels of leptin, LH, FSH, prolactin, testosterone (T), corticosterone, and free T4 (FT4) were measured. MSG rats displayed elevated circulating levels of corticosterone and hyperadiposity/hyperleptinemia, regardless of the age examined; conversely, circulating prolactin levels were not affected. Moreover, prepubertal MSG rats revealed a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in testis weight and the number of Sertoli (SC) and Leydig cells per testis. Leptin plasma levels were severalfold higher (2.41 vs. 8.07; P < 0.05) in prepubertal MSG rats, and these animals displayed plasma LH, FSH, T, and FT4 levels significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Taken together, these data indicate that testis development, as well as SC and Leydig cell proliferation, were disturbed in prepubertal MSG rats. Adult MSG rats also displayed significantly higher leptin plasma levels (7.26 vs. 27.04; P < 0.05) and lower (P < 0.05) LH and FSH plasma levels. However, T and FT4 plasma levels were normal, and no apparent alterations were observed in testis structure of MSG rats. Only the number of SCs per testis was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in the adult MSG rats. In conclusion, although early installed hyperadipose/hyperleptinemia phenotype was probably responsible for the reproductive axis damages in MSG animals, it remains to be investigated whether this condition is the main factor for hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis dysfunction in MSG rats.
Assuntos
Tecido Adiposo/metabolismo , Testículo/patologia , Animais , Animais Recém-Nascidos , Núcleo Celular/metabolismo , Proliferação de Células , Corticosterona/sangue , Feminino , Hormônio Foliculoestimulante/sangue , Leptina/metabolismo , Células Intersticiais do Testículo/metabolismo , Masculino , Camundongos , Fenótipo , Prolactina/sangue , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Túbulos Seminíferos/metabolismo , Túbulos Seminíferos/patologia , Células de Sertoli/metabolismo , Testículo/metabolismo , Testosterona/sangue , Tiroxina/sangue , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
The aim of the present study was to evaluate inhibin secretion in rats with autoimmune orchitis. As we have previously described, experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) induced in rats by active immunization with testis homogenate and adjuvants is characterized by an interstitial mononuclear cell infiltrate and sloughing of the germinal epithelium. At 120 days after the first immunization 60% of the rats exhibited a severe orchitis with large areas of aspermatogenic seminiferous tubules in which only spermatogonia and Sertoli cells with cytoplasmic vacuolization remained attached to the tubular wall. None of the untreated (N) or control (C) rats revealed pathological alterations. Sixty percent decrease in testis weight was observed in rats with EAO compared with N or C groups. A 3-fold increase in serum FSH levels was observed in rats with EAO compared with N or C groups (19.8+/-3.7 vs 5.6+/-0.3 and 5.9+/-0.1 ng/ml respectively). A significant decrease in inhibin B levels was observed in rats with EAO when compared with N or C groups (40+/-4.6 vs 207+/-38.8 and 221.4+/-28.6 pg/ml respectively). An inverse correlation between inhibin B and FSH serum levels and a direct correlation between inhibin B and testis weight were found. Strong expression of the inhibin alpha-subunit in Sertoli cells of untreated and control rats was observed; this subunit was undetectable or poorly detectable in rats with orchitis. Positive staining for the inhibin alpha-subunit was also observed in Leydig cells of all groups studied. In conclusion, using a model of autoimmune orchitis our results show that circulating inhibin B levels and inhibin alpha-subunit expression in Sertoli cell cytoplasm closely correlate with the degree of damage of the germinal epithelium.
Assuntos
Doenças Autoimunes/fisiopatologia , Inibinas/metabolismo , Orquite/fisiopatologia , Túbulos Seminíferos/patologia , Análise de Variância , Animais , Doenças Autoimunes/sangue , Doenças Autoimunes/patologia , Hormônio Foliculoestimulante/sangue , Imuno-Histoquímica , Inibinas/sangue , Hormônio Luteinizante/sangue , Masculino , Modelos Animais , Orquite/sangue , Orquite/patologia , Tamanho do Órgão , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Células de Sertoli/química , Testículo/patologiaRESUMO
PROBLEM: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of immune-activated testicular macrophages obtained from rats with autoimmune orchitis (EAO) on Leydig cell steroidogenesis. METHOD OF STUDY: EAO was induced in rats by active immunization with testis homogenate and adjuvants. Testicular and peritoneal macrophages from rats with EAO were isolated and cultured for 24 hr. Testosterone (T) production by purified Leydig cells incubated in vitro with macrophage-conditioned media (CM) from rats with EAO or control rats was measured. RESULTS: An increase in T production by Leydig cells incubated with CM from testicular, but not peritoneal, macrophages of rats with EAO was observed. This increase was dose-dependent up to a concentration of 30% CM; proportions higher than 35% exhibited an inhibitory effect. CONCLUSIONS: Immune-activated testicular macrophages obtained from rats with EAO induced both stimulatory and inhibiting steroidogenic effects on Leydig cells in vitro and not the exclusively inhibitory action that has widely been attributed to activated macrophages. This dual effect probably depends on the ability of these cells to synthesize different molecules that may exert opposite effects.
Assuntos
Doenças Autoimunes/imunologia , Meios de Cultivo Condicionados/farmacologia , Células Intersticiais do Testículo/imunologia , Macrófagos/imunologia , Orquite/imunologia , Testículo/imunologia , Animais , Células Cultivadas , Gonadotropina Coriônica/farmacologia , Meios de Cultivo Condicionados/química , Relação Dose-Resposta Imunológica , Células Intersticiais do Testículo/efeitos dos fármacos , Células Intersticiais do Testículo/metabolismo , Macrófagos/metabolismo , Macrófagos Peritoneais/imunologia , Macrófagos Peritoneais/metabolismo , Masculino , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Testosterona/antagonistas & inibidores , Testosterona/biossínteseRESUMO
We have previously observed (M. O. Suescun et al., 1994, Journal of Andrology, 15, 442-448) that rats with autoimmune orchitis (EAO) exhibit increased testosterone production in vitro by isolated testes. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the increase in testosterone production correlated with an enhanced number of Leydig cells and/or enhanced steroidogenic capacity per Leydig cell. For this purpose, EAO was induced in adult Sprague-Dawley rats by active immunization with testicular homogenate and adjuvants. At 80 days after the primary immunization, 60% of rats presented with severe testicular damage characterized by sloughing of the seminiferous epithelium, seminiferous tubule atrophy and interstitial mononuclear cell infiltration. At 160 days after the first immunization, testicular lesions were more severe. A morphometric study, by light microscopy, showed an increase in the number of Leydig cells in rats with EAO (45% increase at 80 days and 50% at 160 days). By electronmicroscopy, testicular sections of rats with EAO revealed the presence of numerous Leydig cells closely associated with macrophages. Most Leydig cells exhibited ultrastructural features of active steroid secreting cells. The steroidogenic capacity of Percoll-purified Leydig cells from tests of rats with EAO, killed at 80 and 160 days, was evaluated. Leydig cells from rats with EAO exhibited an enhanced steroidogenic response to hCG in vitro at 80 days (38%) and an increase in basal (77%) and post-hCG testosterone production (115%) at 160 days compared to controls. However, these cells were less sensitive to hCG. In conclusion, the results indicate that the enhancement of in-vitro testosterone production observed in rats with EAO is accounted for both by the increased number of Leydig cells and by the increased testosterone production of each Leydig cell.
Assuntos
Doenças Autoimunes/metabolismo , Células Intersticiais do Testículo/metabolismo , Orquite/metabolismo , Testosterona/biossíntese , Animais , Técnicas In Vitro , Masculino , Microscopia Eletrônica , Orquite/imunologia , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-DawleyRESUMO
This review covers some common aspects of the biosynthesis, interconversion pathways and biochemical functions of polyamines. A particular emphasis is given in experimental models as well as humans, to their presence in the male gonad, prostate gland, seminal vesicles, epididymis and semen. The interaction between hormones (androgens, LH, FSH and PRL) and the main enzymes involved on the polyamine biosynthesis, and the relationship of these compounds on cell growth and differentiation, are also discussed. In this regard, an attention is offered to the potential role of polyamines during early spermatogenesis stages and the use of some enzymes involved in their biosynthesis as sensitive and specific markers of the action of androgens and antiandrogens in the epididymis. Finally, a special issue is addressed to the controversial information documented on polyamines, their oxidation products and the relationship with male fertility.
Assuntos
Poliaminas Biogênicas/fisiologia , Epididimo/metabolismo , Próstata/metabolismo , Sêmen/metabolismo , Glândulas Seminais/metabolismo , Testículo/metabolismo , Acetiltransferases/metabolismo , Animais , Poliaminas Biogênicas/metabolismo , Cricetinae , Humanos , Masculino , Mamíferos , Mesocricetus , Camundongos , Ornitina/metabolismo , Putrescina/biossíntese , Ratos , Espermidina/biossíntese , Espermina/biossínteseRESUMO
This review covers some common aspects of the biosynthesis, interconversion pathways and biochemical functions of polyamines. A particular emphasis is given in experitemtal models as well as humans, to their presence in the male gonad, postate gland, seminal vesicles, epididymis and semen. The interaction between hormones (androgens, LH, FSH and PRL) and the main enzymes involved on the polymine biosynthesis, and the relationship of these compounds on cell growth and differentation, are also discussed. In this regard, an attention is offered to the potential role of polymines during early spermatogenesis stages and the use of some enzymed involved in their biosynthesis as sensitive and specific markers of the action of androgens and antiandrogens in the epididymis. Finally, a special issue is addressed to the controversial information documented on polymines, their oxidation products and the relationship with male fertility. (AU)
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Animais , Cricetinae , Camundongos , Ratos , RESEARCH SUPPORT, NON-U.S. GOVT , Poliaminas Biogênicas/fisiologia , Putrescina/biossíntese , Espermidina/biossíntese , Espermina/biossíntese , Ornitina/metabolismo , Testículo/metabolismo , Epididimo/metabolismo , Sêmen/metabolismo , Próstata/metabolismo , Glândulas Seminais/metabolismo , Acetiltransferases/metabolismo , Poliaminas Biogênicas/metabolismo , Mesocricetus , MamíferosRESUMO
This review covers some common aspects of the biosynthesis, interconversion pathways and biochemical functions of polyamines. A particular emphasis is given in experitemtal models as well as humans, to their presence in the male gonad, postate gland, seminal vesicles, epididymis and semen. The interaction between hormones (androgens, LH, FSH and PRL) and the main enzymes involved on the polymine biosynthesis, and the relationship of these compounds on cell growth and differentation, are also discussed. In this regard, an attention is offered to the potential role of polymines during early spermatogenesis stages and the use of some enzymed involved in their biosynthesis as sensitive and specific markers of the action of androgens and antiandrogens in the epididymis. Finally, a special issue is addressed to the controversial information documented on polymines, their oxidation products and the relationship with male fertility.
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Animais , Cricetinae , Camundongos , Ratos , Poliaminas Biogênicas/fisiologia , Epididimo/metabolismo , Ornitina/metabolismo , Próstata/metabolismo , Putrescina/biossíntese , Sêmen/metabolismo , Glândulas Seminais/metabolismo , Espermidina/biossíntese , Espermina/biossíntese , Testículo/metabolismo , Acetiltransferases/metabolismo , Poliaminas Biogênicas/metabolismo , Mamíferos , MesocricetusRESUMO
Many studies have documented the presence of a sexually dimorphic response of neuroendocrine functions in response to immune signals. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the hypothalamopituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response to inflammatory stress stimulus in 15-month-old mice, and to determine whether such a response depends on circulating sex steroids. Our results indicate that in the 15-month-old mice: (1) there is a sexual dimorphism in the HPA axis activity in basal condition and after endotoxin treatment with generally higher levels of several parameters of this axis in female than in male mice, (2) gonadectomy alone, followed by sex steroid therapy, modulates HPA axis function in both basal and stress conditions, and (3) whereas estradiol plays a stimulatory role on adrenal function, testosterone inhibits adrenal glucocorticoid production. This study further suggests a clear sexual dimorphism in middle-aged mice injected with endotoxin. These results may be relevant for the treatment of sepsis in aged patients.
Assuntos
Córtex Suprarrenal/imunologia , Endotoxinas/farmacologia , Hormônios Esteroides Gonadais/farmacologia , Sistema Hipotálamo-Hipofisário/imunologia , Hormônio Adrenocorticotrópico/sangue , Animais , Corticosterona/sangue , Feminino , Inflamação , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Estresse Fisiológico , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
The endocrinological profile of animals with experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) has not been sufficiently explored. With this purpose orchitis was induced in adult rats by active immunization with testicular homogenate (TH) and adjuvants. Animals were sacrificed 50 or 80 days after the first immunization. Forty-three percent of rats immunized with TH developed orchitis. Different degrees of cell sloughing and atrophy of the seminiferous tubules and numerous macrophages and lymphocytes in close association with Leydig cells were seen. A significant increase in the number of Leydig cells was observed in rats with orchitis killed at 50 and 80 days. An enhanced number of interstitial non-Leydig cells was also detected in rats with testicular damage killed at 80 days. Levels of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were two- to threefold higher in rats with EAO compared to concentrations detected in other groups. Moreover, rats with orchitis had significantly increased testicular testosterone. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH) did not change in animals of any group. In vitro studies showed an increase in the basal and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-stimulated testosterone production in rats with EAO. The increase in testicular steroidogenesis without a concomitant enhancement in serum LH levels detected in rats with autoimmune orchitis suggests the existence of local control mechanisms.
Assuntos
Doenças Autoimunes/fisiopatologia , Orquite/fisiopatologia , Testículo/fisiopatologia , Animais , Doenças Autoimunes/etiologia , Doenças Autoimunes/patologia , Hormônio Luteinizante/metabolismo , Masculino , Orquite/etiologia , Orquite/patologia , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Testículo/patologia , Testosterona/metabolismo , VacinaçãoRESUMO
Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulates the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis by a mechanism involving the release of cytokines, which activate the CRH-ACTH system and, as a result, increase glucocorticoid secretion. In the present study we investigated the possibility that endogenous sex hormones modulate the in vivo endotoxin-stimulated adrenal and immune responses in adult BALB/c mice. In preliminary experiments we determined that the maximal glucocorticoid release in response to LPS (50 micrograms, ip) administration was reached 2 h after treatment. The endotoxin effect on the adrenal and immune responses was then tested in male, randomly cycling female, 20-day-gonadectomized and 20-day-gonadectomized mice treated with either testosterone or estradiol. In addition, in vitro experiments were performed to determine whether 1) LPS exerts any direct effect on basal and ACTH-stimulated corticosterone release, and 2) adrenal function is influenced by bilateral gonadectomy and sex steroid therapy. Our results indicate that 1) randomly cycling female mice have significantly more pronounced corticosterone secretion than males 2 h after endotoxin injection, although the tumor necrosis factor responses were similar; 2) the response of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis to endotoxin stimulation in female mice was invariable throughout the different stages of the normal estrous cycle; 3) gonadectomy leads to enhanced (P < 0.05) adrenal and immune responses to LPS stimulation compared to the responses in shams; 4) the endotoxin-elicited adrenal and immune overresponses observed in gonadectomized mice are reversed by testosterone treatment, regardless of sex; 5) LPS does not directly modify spontaneous and ACTH-stimulated adrenal corticosterone secretion; and 6) gonadectomy alone or combined with sex steroid therapy does not increase the in vitro adrenal response to ACTH stimulation. Our findings further suggest an evident neuroendocrine-immunological sexual dimorphism during the acute phase of inflammatory processes.
Assuntos
Endotoxinas/farmacologia , Estradiol/farmacologia , Sistema Hipotálamo-Hipofisário/efeitos dos fármacos , Orquiectomia , Ovariectomia , Sistema Hipófise-Suprarrenal/efeitos dos fármacos , Caracteres Sexuais , Testosterona/farmacologia , Hormônio Adrenocorticotrópico/farmacologia , Animais , Corticosterona/sangue , Estro/fisiologia , Feminino , Glucocorticoides/classificação , Sistema Imunitário/efeitos dos fármacos , Sistema Imunitário/fisiologia , Lipopolissacarídeos/farmacologia , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Sistemas Neurossecretores/efeitos dos fármacos , Sistemas Neurossecretores/fisiologia , Fatores de Tempo , Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa/análiseRESUMO
The effect of the antiestrogen tamoxifen (Tx) on the acute and chronic hCG administration was evaluated in patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) and in normal men. An hCG test (5000 IU hCG) was performed before, after two months of hCG administration (2000 IU hCG three times weekly) and after two months of hCG + Tx (2000 IU hCG three times weekly plus 20 mg/day of tamoxifen). Blood samples were obtained before and following 24 and 72 h of every test to determine T, E, 17OHP and SHBG. T increased only in HH with both treatments (X +/- SEM: Basal: 97.9 +/- 19.7; hCG: 237.7 +/- 43.2; hCG +/- Tx: 204.7 +/- 10.7 ng/100 ml). 17OHP rose with hCG alone, but not with hCG + Tx in both groups. E, SHBG and 17OHP/T ratio did not change after treatments. hCG tests: E increased 24 h following hCG administration in every test. The ratio 17OHP/T rose at 24 h in the first and second test but in the third test it did not change. These results support the role of E in the acute hCG-induced Leydig cell desensitization. However, the association of Tx does not improve T serum levels, suggesting that E might not be the unique factor involved in the mechanisms for testicular desensitization.
Assuntos
Gonadotropina Coriônica/uso terapêutico , Hipogonadismo/tratamento farmacológico , Tamoxifeno/farmacologia , 17-alfa-Hidroxiprogesterona , Adulto , Gonadotropina Coriônica/administração & dosagem , Estradiol/sangue , Humanos , Hidroxiprogesteronas/sangue , Hipogonadismo/sangue , Masculino , Globulina de Ligação a Hormônio Sexual/metabolismo , Tamoxifeno/administração & dosagem , Testosterona/sangueRESUMO
After castration, there was a marked decrease in serum androgen concentration at 6 h, and a dramatic inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) at 12 h. Administration of testosterone propionate to castrated rats at a dose of 0.05 mg/animal restored ODC activity to the normal value. However, no change was observed when intact rats were treated with testosterone even at a 40-fold higher dose, indicating that endogenous androgens present in intact rats are far in excess for maintenance of maximal levels of activity. Administration of the antiandrogen flutamide to intact rats caused a moderate decrease in epididymal weight, whereas this effect was more pronounced in castrated, androgen-treated rats. In the latter, the effect of flutamide was significant at the lowest dose used (0.5 mg/day). ODC activity was significantly decreased by flutamide treatment of intact rats, but even at the highest dose used (10 mg/day) only a 39% inhibition was observed. In flutamide-treated rats, LH concentrations were markedly increased, as were serum and epididymal androgens. In androgen-treated castrated rats, flutamide caused epididymal ODC to fall to undetectable values. These results show that: (1) androgens are essential for the maintenance of ODC activity in the epididymis; (2) epididymal ODC activity is maximally stimulated by endogenous androgens, at least in the pubertal rat; (3) the apparent potency of flutamide is substantially lowered by an increase in epididymal androgens. We suggest that ODC is a sensitive marker of the action of androgens and antiandrogens in the epididymis.