Abstract
Mastomys [Praomys(mastomys) coucha] of both sexes have morphologically functional prostates. To evaluate endocrine control of the prostate and other genital organs in mastomys, TAP-144-SR, a biodegradable sustained-release formulation of a potent Gonadotrophin-releaseing hormone (GnRH) agonist (leuprolide acetate), which is able to induce desensitization of the pitu-itary-gonadal axis, was used in this study. Three weeks after a single sc injection of TAP-144-SR (5 mg/kg), the mastomys were autopsied.
In males, administration of TAP-144-SR resulted in decreases in the weights of testes, prostates and seminal vesicles in association with a marked reduction in serum testosterone levels. In females, TAP-144-SR treatment caused remarkable ovarian and uterine regression and reductions in serum levels of estradiol-17β and progesterone. However, the weights of female prostates and serum levels of testosterone remained unchanged by TAP-144-SR. These results show that the structure and function of male accessory sex organs and the uterus are mainly controlled by the gonads, which are regulated by gonadotrophins, but that those of the female prostate are less influenced by gonadal control.
