Effects of prolactin on testicular functions using an intratesticular pituitary graft

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Abstract
Pituitary glands were grafted under the capsule of the left testis of rats to induce high levels of prolactin in this organ. One hundred days after implantation, significantly increased levels of prolactin were found in the tissue and the venous plasma of the left testis. Although the levels of testosterone in testicular venous plasma were not raised, the testicular content of testosterone was increased when compared to the right testis. The ratio of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone was not affected in the pituitary-grafted testis. Since the seminiferous tubules adjacent to the pituitary graft appeared to be completely normal, it is concluded that in the rat high levels of prolactin have no direct inhibitory effect on testicular functions.