EFFECT OF RESERPINE ON PROSTATE GLAND FRUCTOSE

Abstract

ABSTRACT Small doses of reserpine (2.5 or 5 μg/day for 2, 5 or 11 days) caused significant elevations in fructose levels in the prostate glands of normal mice. This effect was not seen in the castrate mouse. In castrates given 50 μg/day of testosterone, reserpine did increase prostatic fructose levels, but less markedly than in intact mice. Adrenalectomized mice also responded to reserpine less markedly than intact animals. The stimulatory actions of reserpine on sex accessory fructose depends upon both the dose and duration of administration of this alkaloid. These stimulatory actions of reserpine on sex accessory organs occur prior to any loss in testicular weight and might be related to the synergistic activities of ACTH and/or prolactin on prostatic tissue.