Induced hyperprolactinaemia does not alter FSH binding or ABP secretion in the rat testis.

The effects of induced hyperprolactinaemia in male Wistar rats were studied by grafting two pituitary glands under the kidney capsule. Transplants were performed at 15 and 60 days of age, and rats killed 4 weeks later when tissue and serum samples were obtained. Serum concentrations of LH were reduced significantly in rats grafted at 60 days of age, whereas no change was observed in rats grafted at 15 days of age. Serum testosterone levels were slightly suppressed only in the older group of grafted rats. Testicular FSH receptors and the epididymal content of androgen-binding protein (ABP) were not modified by induction of hyperprolactinaemia. The results indicate that hyperprolactinaemia was not associated with changes in at least two functional parameters of the tubular compartment of the rat testis.