effects of orchiectomy, antiandrogen and testosterone on the parotid gland of albino rats

ABSTRACT

The relationship between the testis and the parotid gland has been poorly investigated. This study deals with the structure of the parotid gland and its changes after orchiectomy, antiandrogen [flutamide] and testosterone substitution. The rat parotid glands of controt and experimental animals [orchimectomized, orchiectomized with testosterone substitution and antiandrogen] were analyzed by light and electron microscopy. Orchiectomy and antiandrogen have more or less similar effects on the parotid gland. Both reduced secretory activity of the gland which was manifested by decreasing the secretory granules, vacuolations of the cytoplasm and degeneration of mitochondria. Exogenously given testosterone can prevent the mentioned effects of orchiectomy on the parotid gland. It is concluded that orchiectomy and antiandrogens affect the rat parotid gland, demonstrating the existence of an interaction between the testis and parotid gland