Short-term dynamic culture of rat testicular fragments as a model to assess effects on steroidogenesis--potential use and limitations.

Short-term dynamic culture of rat testicular fragments was evaluated as a model to assess effects on steroidogenesis. A total of 11 compounds differentially affecting testosterone synthesis (aminoglutethimide, ketoconazole, danazol, flutamide, diethylstilbestrol, genistein, butylparaben, nonoxynol-9, dimethoate, RU 486, and cadmium chloride) were used to explore the performance of the assay. Testosterone secretion into the medium and testosterone retained in tissue fragments was determined as a measure of steroidogenesis.