STIMULATORY EFFECT OF PROSTAGLANDIN F2α ON THE PLASMA CONCENTRATION OF TESTOSTERONE IN BULLS

Abstract

SUMMARY The concentrations of peripheral plasma testosterone were measured by radioimmunoassay in samples collected from five bulls, each given i.m. injections of 0, 5, 15, 30 and 60 mg prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α). Synchronized peaks in testosterone concentration occurred with maximum values 1–2 h after treatment. These increases of testosterone persisted significantly longer than those observed to occur as natural episodic peaks during two 24 h periods in the same bulls. The mean peak testosterone concentration after PGF2α injection was related to the dose of PGF2α, values after 60 and 30 mg doses being significantly greater than after 15 mg. The response produced by a 5 mg dose was not significant. The results indicate that intramuscular injection of PGF2α acutely stimulates synthesis and release of testosterone in bulls.