Effect of Testosterone Propionate and Growth Hormone on Growth and Chemical Composition of Muscle and Other Tissues in Hypophysectomized Male Rats

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Abstract
The effect of testosterone propionate and growth hormone on the growth of muscle, bone, pelt, viscera and seminal vesicles was studied in hypophysectomized male rats. Testosterone (0.1 mg/day) stimulated growth in the levator ani muscle and seminal vesicles but had no effect on the other tissues studied. Growth hormone (0.1 mg/day) accelerated growth in all tissues except the seminal vesicles. Testosterone did not enhance the growth-promoting effect of growth hormone in any tissue except the levator ani muscle. Growth hormone stimulated deposition of myosin, sarcoplasmic proteins, collagen and alkali-soluble proteins in the thigh muscle of hypophysectomized rats. The composition of the muscle in treated and control hypophysectomized rats was the same as that in normal rats. Growth hormone also increased the collagen, keratin-elastin and globular protein content of the pelt. The effect of growth hormone on the proteins of the muscle and pelt was not enhanced by testosterone. Testosterone given alone had no effect on the chemical composition or content of the muscle and pelt in hypophysectomized rats.