Effect of estradiol benzoate on hormonal profile and steroidogenic organs of immature and adult male rats.

Abstract

The effects of estradiol benzoate (E2B) at a dose of 50 micrograms/day/rat for 15 days were investigated on ascorbate metabolism, steroidogenesis, protein, cholesterol levels of testis, adrenal and serum testosterone, LH and FSH profiles of rats. The data revealed that E2B manifested a direct effect on testicular and probably adrenal steroidogenesis. But serum gonadotrophin levels remained unchanged. The treatment also brought about a decline in ascorbate metabolism, activities of 3 beta and 17 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases and alteration in protein level concomitant with the accumulation of cholesterol in both steroidogenic organs. Estrogen treatment was more effective in adult male rats than in the immature ones.