Effects of a series of metalloporphyrins on adrenal, testicular and thyroid function in rats.

We have extended our earlier studies [Pharmacology 1986;34:9-16] on the effects of certain synthetic heme analogues and cobalt chloride (CoCl2) on endocrine functions mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary axis to examine specifically the ability of Sn-protoporphyrin (SnPP) and Sn-mesoporphyrin (SnMP) to perturb adrenal, testicular and thyroid function since there is interest in the use of Sn(tin)-porphyrins in the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia of the newborn. SnPP and SnMP when administered to adult male rats did not alter serum corticosterone, testosterone, thyroxine or triiodothyronine levels when compared to control animals. In addition, administration of exogenous adrenocorticotrophic hormone produced an increase in serum corticosterone levels that was comparable in placebo-treated and SnPP- and SnMP-treated animals. These studies involved doses of both compounds substantially greater than those used clinically. The results clearly indicate that SnMP, presently the compound of choice for use in newborns, and SnPP do not in the doses studied impair adrenal, testicular and thyroid function in vivo.