Abstract
The effects of episodic infusion of testosterone into the vascular system on energy expenditure, nitrogen retention and whole body protein synthesis (determined from [1-14C]leucine kinetics) were studied in castrated male lambs under conditions of controlled food intake. Comparisons were made between a 10-day control period and a 10-day treatment period for each lamb. Infusion of testosterone produced a significant increase in heat production, but the magnitude (198 kJ/day, +2.5%) was less than the differences in energy expenditure expected between entire and castrated male ruminants. The retention of nitrogen improved by 1.24 g/day (+22%) in response to the administration of androgen, and this was accompanied by a decrease in amino acid oxidation. Total protein synthesis also declined, and the anabolic nature of testosterone supply must, therefore, be effected through a reduction in the breakdown of protein, the mechanism being similar to that proposed for certain anabolic steroids and the beta-agonist, clenbuterol. Contrary to other reports, the presence of testosterone had no effect on the plasma concentration of GH.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 439-445 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Journal of Endocrinology |
Volume | 115 |
Issue number | 3 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 1987 |
Keywords
- Animals
- Energy Metabolism
- Growth Hormone
- Leucine
- Male
- Nitrogen
- Orchiectomy
- Protein Biosynthesis
- Sheep
- Testosterone