THE EFFECTS OF ORCHIDECTOMY AND TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE INJECTION ON PEPTIDASE ACTIVITY IN THE MALE RAT HYPOTHALAMUS

Authors:
  • EGE. C. Griffiths
    E. C. Griffiths
  • KHK. C. Hooper
    K. C. Hooper
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Abstract
It has previously been shown that the activity of certain peptidases in the female rat hypothalamus is related to the release of luteinizing hormone releasing factor from the tissue (Griffiths & Hooper 1972a). The activity of these enzymes was investigated after orchidectomy and testosterone propionate injection to determine if a similar relationship exists in male rats. The depression in supernatant activity following orchidectomy and the elevation after testosterone treatment are interpreted as confirming this, and it is proposed that alterations in peptidase activity may be used as an index of gonadotrophin release in male as well as in female rats.