The role of androgens in the effect of diabetes mellitus on hepatic drug metabolism in the male rat.

Diabetes mellitus exerts a sex-dependent effect on hepatic drug metabolism in the rat and it has been suggested that this is due to a reduction in serum androgen levels. This study shows that the effect of diabetes is only seen in the presence of androgen and that testosterone can reverse the effect of diabetes on drug metabolism. Diabetes, however, does not consistently cause a reduction in serum testosterone. Diabetes and androgens, therefore, are postulated to interact in their effects on drug metabolism by action on a common mediator. It is suggested that this mediator is growth hormone, which is known to be affected by the androgens and insulin and to be involved in sex differences in drug metabolism in the rat.