Testosterone-induced changes in testicular antioxidant system.

In order to investigate the role of testosterone propionate (TP) on the antioxidant system of the rat testis, lipid peroxidation (LPX) and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) of the testis of testosterone-treated and control rats were compared. The results indicate that TP administration to intact adult rats resulted in a significant decline in protein content of various subcellular fractions. This is accompanied with significant elevation in LPX levels of various subcellular fractions suggesting induction of oxidative stress. Activities of three enzymes related to the metabolism of superoxide radical (SOD) and hydrogen peroxide (CAT and GPx) of testis, were found to be significantly decreased in response to TP treatment. The role of testosterone in regulating testicular spermatogenesis through oxidative stress is discussed.