Estrogens in the Seminal Vesicle Fluid and the Effect of Exogenous Estradiol-17β on Hormonal Profile in the Male Rat

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Abstract
The effects of 17.beta.-estradiol (17.beta.-E2, 1 mg/rat per day for 5 days) treatment on androgens (testosterone, T; 5.alpha.-dihydrotestosterone, 5.alpha.-DTH; androstenedione, .DELTA.4A), estrogens (estrone, E1; 17.beta.-estradiol, 17.beta.-E2) and gonadotropins (luteinizing hormone, LH; follicle stimulating hormone, FSH) in blood serum (BS) and seminal vesicle fluid (SVF) were studied in the male rat. The normal concentrations of E1 and 17.beta.-E2 in SVF were approximately 5 times higher than that observed in the BS. Administration of 17.beta.-E2 resulted in a significant reduction of all androgens and gonadotropins and an increase of estrogens in the blood serum 24 h and 5 days after the last injection of 17.beta.-E2. The same treatment failed to alter T levels, but caused an increase in estrogens, .DELTA.4A and a decrease in 5.alpha.-DHT concentration in the SVF. The changes in hormonal profile in the BS and SVF suggest that there is a compartmental distribution of all the steroids studied. The seminal vesicles have a high capacity to concentrate estrogens and a relatively high 5.alpha.-reductase activity. Systematically administered 17.beta.-E2 apparently is transmitted to the SVF. Estrogen could have a direct action on spermatozoa or induce an alteration in SVF composition and changes in the secretions of other accessory glands resulting in sterility.