HORMONAL AND NUTRITIONAL INFLUENCES ON THE BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF THE RAT TESTIS1

Abstract
Immature rat testis contains approximately 85% water, 10.5% protein, 4.5% lipid and detectable glycogen. Testis composition was maintained for 20 days in rats fed 20% casein. Proteins of lower nutritive value (wheat gluten, peanut flour) decreased testis protein concentration and weight gain, increased percent water but in general did not influence lipid or glycogen. A 5% casein diet reduced testis protein and increased glycogen concentration. Cortisone-maintained adrenalectomized rats exhibited a testis protein loss due largely to reduced food intake but testis glycogen was unaffected.