INFLUENCE OF VARIOUS STEROIDS ON TESTES AND ACCESSORY SEX ORGANS IN THE RAT
ABSTRACT Various neutral steroids were studied in intact male rats for their ability to influence testicular function, particularly spermatogenesis. The compounds were injected once daily for 21 days, starting at 21 days of age. One day after the last injection, testicular histology and testis, ventral prostate, and seminal vesicle weights were determined. In some experiments, after the standard 21 day treatment period, testicular histology and function were evaluated after 30 and 60 day post-treatment recovery periods. 2α-Hydroxymethyl-17β-hydroxy-5α-androstan-3-one, 2-hydroxy-5α-androst-2-en-17β-ol, 2,17α-dimethyl-5α-androst-2-en-17β-ol and 2-formyl5α-androst-2-en-17β-ol caused decreases in testicular, ventral prostate and seminal vesicle weight and produced arrest of spermatogenesis. These effects were reversible and testis weight and histology, as well as fertility, were restored in the post-treatment period. 19-Norprogesterone, which did not produce convincing testicular atrophy, did cause significant decreases in ventral prostate and seminal vesicle weight. Chlormadinone showed a similar picture, although direct antagonistic testicular effects were also seen. The lowered ventral prostate and seminal vesicle weights produced by these compounds may be an expression of their antiandrogenic activity.