Abstract
The relationship between ergothioneine (Ergo) and androgens was studied on the basis of our previous postulation that Ergo derived from food source, may have some effects on the male sex organs. The uptake of ^<14>C-cholesterol, as a steroid model, into the slice of rat seminal vesicle in vitro was doubled when Ergo was present. There was no influence of Ergo on ejaculate volume and fructose content in semen, but androgen showed an effect to control the concentration of Ergo in semen. These results suggested that Ergo, as a common ingredient in semen, exerts some elaborative effects on spermatozoa. (Received June 29,1972)
