TESTOSTERONE-INDUCED CHANGES IN TESTICULAR ANTIOXIDANT SYSTEM

In order to investigate the role of testosterone propionate (TP) on th e antioxidant system of the rat testis, lipid peroxidation (LPX) and a ctivities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathion e peroxidase (GPx) of the testis of testosterone-treated and control r ats were compared. The results indicate that TP administration to inta ct adult rats resulted in a significant decline in protein content of various subcellular fractions. This is accompanied with significant el evation in LPX levels of various subcellular fractions suggesting indu ction of oxidative stress. Activities of three enzymes related to the metabolism of superoxide radical (SOD) and hydrogen peroxide (CAT and GPx) of testis, were found to be significantly decreased in response t o TP treatment. The role of testosterone in regulating testicular sper matogenesis through oxidative stress is discussed.