Response of the Reproductive System of Male Rats to Protein and Zinc Deficiency during Puberty

Abstract
Male weanling rats were fed 4 diets providing high or low levels of protein and/or Zn. One group on each diet was sacrificed every 2 wk to measure the weights of the reproductive organs, plasma levels of FSH and luteinizing hormone, and the plasma and testicular concentrations of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and Zn. Hypogonadal states are produced in response to protein deficiency and Zn deficiency but the mechanisms involved are different. The specific effects of Zn deficiency are not observed in protein-deficient animals.

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