Serum androgen levels after streptozotocin administration in the male rat.

Serum levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone were measured in control and diabetic animals 5, 10 and 15 days after streptozotocin administration. The diabetic state produced a marked reduction in serum androgen levels 10 and 15 days after streptozotocin administration. Insulin treatment partially restored the circulating androgen levels when administered to diabetic rats.

Functional activity of rat testicular cells in culture.

Testicular cells from adult hypophysectomized rats were cultured for 10 or 12 days, and the effect of treatment with hCG (10 ng/ml) on testosterone and progesterone production and the activity of the Leydig cell enzyme, 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, were studied. Regardless of hormone treatment, on 4th day in culture a decline in the steroidogenic activity of cultured cells could be observed. Treatment with hCG resulted in stimulation of steroidogenesis on days 6 to 10 in culture, as measured by testosterone and progesterone production.