EFFECT OF ANDROGEN ON THE PROSTATE IN STARVATION

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Abstract
In dogs complete deprivation of food causes cessation of prostatic fluid due to androgen deficiency consequent on decreased gona-dotrophin production, since prostatic secretion is restored by injn. of testosterone propionate or, in intact animals, by equine gonadotrophin. The gonadotrophic inadequacy was evident on the 4th to the 11th day of starvation; the testis remained capable of androgen production at least for 21 days. During starvation in dogs injected with androgen the prostatic fluid has the same composition as in full fed dogs but the quantity is greatly increased; this is related to increased vasodilation in the prostate. The hypersecretion decreases to a lower level when the dogs are refed. Salivary secretion is decreased by inanition. During starvation the prostate grows in immature castrate dogs injected with androgen, about 4-fold in 3 wks; the conc. of acid phos-phatase is increased approx. 8-11 fold/g., but the alkaline phosphatase conc. is relatively decreased.