Effect of LH and FSH on Vanadium Distribution in Hypophysectomized Rats

Abstract

The effect of LH and FSH on radiovanadium (⁴⁸V) metabolism in testis was explored by administering LH and/or FSH daily to hypophysectomized (HYPOX) rats prior to and after ⁴⁸V injection. Seven and fourteen days after ⁴⁸V injection, the animals were counted in a whole body gamma counter, sacrificed, and serum and tissue samples taken for weighing and counting. Whole body, serum, and tissue contents of ⁴⁸V of HYPOX rats were not affected by LH or FSH except in testis. In testis, there were both independent and additive effects of LH and FSH on testicular weight and ⁴⁸V content, expressed as either content per gram or per organ. LH was more active than FSH. The usual fourfold increase in ⁴⁸V content per gram seen in HYPOX testis was reduced 50% by LH + FSH. On an organ basis, ⁴⁸V content was increased 50-100% by LH + FSH compared to either HYPOX or intact rats. These data demonstrate that gonadotropins affect the ⁴⁸V content of the testes in HYPOX rats in the absence of growth hormone, adrenal steroids, and thyroxine. Whether these data indicate a direct effect of vanadium in reproductive physiology or are secondary to nonspecific trophic or other effects on the testis remain to be determined.