EFFECT OF BILATERAL DENERVATION OF THE IMMATURE RAT TESTIS ON TESTICULAR GONADOTROPIN RECEPTORS AND INVITRO ANDROGEN PRODUCTION

We have studied the effect of superior spermatic nerve (SSN) section o n testicular gonadotropin receptors and in vitro androgen production b y immature rat testis. Bilateral testicular denervation had no effect on testicular weight, serum androgens, LH, FSH and PRL levels. Denerva tion resulted in a significant inhibition of hCG stimulated in vitro a ndrogen production. A reduction in the number of testicular LH recepto rs was observed after SSN section, while FSH binding sites remained un changed. These results indicate that the number of LH receptors and te sticular steroidogenic response to hCG are influenced by nerves reachi ng the testis.