Effect of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on the hepatic metabolism of testosterone in the rat.

A dose of 20 micrograms/kg of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) was given to adult male rats intragastrically and the metabolism of [4-14C]-testosterone by liver homogenate was examined 1 week later. The overall catabolism of testosterone was significantly reduced by the TCDD treatment. Dihydroxysteroids (intermediate reduced metabolites) were increased, while the production of polar non-conjugated metabolites (end products) was diminished.