EFFECT OF CORTICOSTERONE ON TESTICULAR STEROIDOGENESIS IN THE TOAD DURING HIBERNATION

We studied the effects of corticosterone on testicular weight (t.wt.), testicular 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity and serum te stosterone in toads during hibernation. Subcutaneous injection of cort icosterone at 5 mu g/100 g b.wt. for 6 days resulted in a significant fall in testicular weight accompanied by rises in testicular 17 beta-h ydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity and serum level of testosterone. At doses of 2 mu g, 10 mu g and 20 mu g/100 g b.wt. corticosterone did not alter testicular weight, 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase act ivity or serum testosterone as compared with controls. We concluded th at corticosterone produces a dose-dependent increase in testicular end ocrine activity These results indicate that a hibernating or seasonall y changeable animal such as the toad may serve as a model for the stud y of adrenogonadal axis in hypoandrealism.