Effect of androgens on the activity of acid hydrolases in rat epididymis.

The enzymatic activity of 6 acid hydrolases was studied in rat epididymal homogenates following castration, testosterone replacement and during postnatal growth. Acid phosphatase and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase activity decreased after castration and increased with hormonal treatment as well as during growth. Beta-Glucuronidase and cathepsin D activity increased during the involution of the organ and decreased or did not change with hormone treatment or during sexual maturation. Arylsulphatase and deoxyribonuclease did not recover normal activity after hormonal treatment. Their activities were particularly high in epididymal and rete testis fluid of normal animals.