Interaction of androgens and prolactin on prostatic enzymes of the pyruvate-malate cycle involved in lipogenesis in castrated mature monkey, Macaca radiata.

Effects of androgens, prolactin (Prl) and bromocriptine (Br) on the specific activities of prostatic (caudal and cranial) enzymes of the pyruvate-malate cycle were studied in castrated mature bonnet monkeys. Castration decreased the activity of NADP+ isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH), ATP citrate lyase, malate dehydrogenase (MDH), malic enzyme and fatty acid synthase (FAS). Administration of testosterone propionate (TP)/dihydrotestosterone (DHT) increased the activities of all these enzymes in both lobes. Malate dehydrogenase maintained normal activity. Prl also had a stimulatory effect on the enzymes and was further enhanced when Prl was given in combination with TP/DHT. Unlike Prl, bromocriptine treatment inhibited all the enzymes in both lobes. Thus, prolactin was found to have a direct as well as a synergistic effect with androgens on enzymes of the pyruvate-malate cycle in the prostate of castrated mature monkeys.