Testicular testosterone/oestradiol ratio in experimental hyperprolactinemia

ABSTRACT

To determine the effect of experimentally induced hyperprolactinemia in adult male rats on the testicular testosterone / oestradial ratio. Ten rats -were administered a D[2]-dopamine receptor antagonist [metoclopramide] I.P [2.2 mg/kg] over 14 days to induce hyperprolactinemia. Ten control rats were given NaCl I.P for the same duration. Prolactin hormone was assayed in the serum. Testosterone and oestradial hormones were assayed in both serum and testicular homogenates. Testicular testosterone / oestradiol ratio was estimated. Serum testosterone, serum oestradiol, testicular testosterone and testicular testosterone/oestradiol ratio were significantly decreased in the hyperprolactinemic group. A significant positive correlation was detected between serum and testicular testosterone in both studied groups. The disturbed testicular testosterone/oestradiol ratio may be a possible mechanism underlying antifertility effect of hyperprolactinemia