THE EFFECT OF STEROIDS ON MOUSE SEX ACCESSORY FRUCTOSE LEVELS

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Abstract
The administration of testosterone to the intact mouse produced alterations in the levels of fructose in seminal vesicles and prostate glands. A 10 day injection period was more effective in causing increases in fructose levels in sex accessory organs than was a 5 day injection period. The added stimulation of fructose observed in the intact mouse treated for the more extended period of injection was not due simply to the increased amount of testosterone. A comparison of fructose levels in testosterone treated castrate mice with those of the intact series of mice suggests the presence of endogenous substances other than testosterone capable of stimulating the secretion of this sugar in sex accessory organs. Castration led to a more rapid fructose reduction in seminal vesicles than in anterior lobes of the prostate gland. Testosterone, testosterone propionate and methyl testerone were capable of restoring fructose levels to essentially normal values in the castrate mouse. Norethandrolone, norethindrone and ethisterone caused progressive increases in organ fructose, but were less effective than either testosterone or testosterone propionate. Progesterone or norethynodrel had little effect upon fructose metabolism. Structural modifications of the testosterone molecule result in diminished fructose forming properties in sex accessory organs of the castrate mouse.