THE ROLE OF PROLACTIN IN THE REGULATION OF TESTICULAR FUNCTION: THE EFFECT OF PROLACTIN AND LUTEINIZING HORMONE ON 3β-HYDROXYSTEROID DEHYDROGENASE ACTIVITY IN THE TESTES OF MICE AND RATS

Abstract

SUMMARY Administration of 100 μg prolactin twice daily for 3 days increased 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) activity in the testes of dwarf mice compared with that found in the normal mouse. In hypophysectomized rats, prolactin (200 μg, same regimen) was without effect when given alone, whereas 5 μg luteinizing hormone (LH) alone injected twice daily, increased 3β-HSD activity to above normal. When prolactin and LH were administered in combination, 3β-HSD activity was raised to normal levels only.