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Horm Metab Res 1974; 6(2): 121-124
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1093874
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© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Serum and Pituitary Gonadotropin Levels in Alloxan-Diabetic Rats[*]

B. E. Howland , E. J. Zebrowski
  • Department of Oral Biology, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E OW3, Canada
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Publication Date:
07 January 2009 (online)

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Abstract

The effects of alloxan-induced diabetes on pituitary and serum levels of gonadotropins as well as body and certain organ weights were studied in male rats. Animals that were 40, 60 or 100 days old were injected i.p. with either 7.5 or 15 mg alloxan-monohydrate and then bled and autopsied 21 days later. Alloxan-diabetes resulted in reduced body, pituitary and ventral prostate weights. Testicular weights in diabetic rats were not different from controls in any of the three experiments. Neither serum nor pituitary concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone were altered by diabetes at any of the ages studied.

Pituitary concentrations of luteinizing hormone were significantly higher in rats treated with the low dose of alloxan at 40 days of age than controls or high dose animals. There was a tendency for diabetes to result in elevated pituitary levels of luteinizing hormone in rats treated with alloxan at 60 or 100 days of age. Serum levels of luteinizing hormone were elevated in rats receiving the low dose of alloxan at 100 days of age. In experiments with 40 or 60 day old rats, diabetes did not affect serum levels of luteinizing hormone.

Key words

Follicle Stimulating Hormone - Luteinizing Hormone - Alloxan - Diabetes - Pituitary - Sex Organs

1 This study was supported by grants (MA-4454 and MA-3627) from the Medical Research Council of Canada.

1 This study was supported by grants (MA-4454 and MA-3627) from the Medical Research Council of Canada.

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