Bromoergocryptine Decreases Serum Prolactin and Delays Sexual Maturation in Male Golden Hamsters 1

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Abstract
The role of prolactin during sexual maturation in male golden hamsters was studied. Controls (n = 23) received vehicle and treated animals (n = 23) received 500 .mu.g 2-bromo-.alpha.-ergocryptine (CB154) daily from 10 days of age until 4 or 5 wk of age. Serum prolactin in prepubertal male hamsters was reduced to a nondetectable level by treatment with the dopamine agonist CB154. Flank gland diameter, body wt, testicular and total accessory sex organ wt and serum testosterone were all significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the CB154-treated animals. In addition, seminiferous tubule area, seminiferous tubule luminal and cellular areas and number of late spermatids/tubule cross-section were significantly reduced (P < 0.01) in CB154-treated prepubertal males. The absence of prolactin retarded sexual maturation in male golden hamsters. Prolactin enhances testosterone production during the process of sexual maturation and supports the development of androgen-dependent tissues.