Effect of testosterone on proteoglycans in the submandibular glands of the rat.

The proteoglycans in the submandibular salivary glands of castrated male Wistar rats were studied before and after the daily administration of testosterone propionate (TP) for one month. Castration decreased the weight of the glands and their uronic acid content. The administration of TP reversed these effects. Chromatographic separation of the uronic acid fractions was performed on cellulose microcolumns. The principal fractions were hyaluronic acid, heparan sulfate and dermatan sulfate. There were also changes in the physical properties of the proteoglycans. Castration decreased the range of distribution of molecular weight and the density, while the lateral chains of smaller length disappeared. TP administration to castrated rats reversed these effects.