Effects of unilateral orchidectomy on rat epididymal Δ4-5α-reductase and 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase

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Abstract
The effects of unilateral orchidectomy on the adult rat epididymal testosterone metabolizing enzymes, Δ4-5α-reductase and α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, are investigated. Five weeks following unilateral orchidectomy, it is found that the activity of 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase per organ is not altered, whereas Δ4-5α-reductase activity decreased by more than 80% on the side of the orchidectomy. Neither accessory sex tissue weights, ventral prostate and seminal vesicles, nor the concentration of circulating testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, or prolactin is altered by unilateral orchidectomy. These data indicate that (1) epididymal 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity can be maintained by circulating androgens and that (2) the major factor regulating Δ4-5α-reductase activity is not a substance secreted by the testes into the peripheral circulation. It is suggested that a substance directly secreted into the epididymis by the testis regulates epididymal Δ4-5α-reductase activity.

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