Changes in Serum Prolactin and Gonadotropins During Sexual Development of the Male Rat

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Abstract
Serum levels of FSH, LH and prolactin were determined during development in male rats. Blood was collected from the trunk after decapitation. Prolactin levels were very low at 15 and 20 days of age, underwent an initial rise at 25 days, and then remained relatively constant until 50 days. A secondary increase occurred thereafter to reach maximal adult values at 90 days. Serum FSH was readily detectable at 15 and 20 days, rose to a peak at 25 and 30 days and then declined back to the original levels by 60 days. It remained relatively constant thereafter. On the other hand, serum LH levels underwent a very gradual increase from 15 days to reach a maximum at 70 days which was similar to levels found in adults. Initiation of the rapid phase of testicular growth at 25 days could be correlated with the elevations of serum FSH and prolactin levels. Rapid growth of sex accessories began somewhat later in the presence of continued relatively high prolactin levels and falling levels of FSH. Later growth of the sex accessories was associated with the secondary rise in prolactin between 50 and 90 days. The results support the hypothesis that prolactin may be involved in testicular and accessory organ development in the male. (Endocrinology93: 660, 1973)

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