Inhibin in ram rete testis fluid
Davies, R.V.; Main, S.J.; Setchell, B.P.
Journal of Reproduction and Fertility. Supplement 1979(26): 87-95
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0449-3087 PMID: 293413 Document Number: 148325
Following a description of the fractionation of ram rete testis fluid and the separation of inhibin, an experiment is reported in which male rats were either castrated or had their efferent ducts ligated before being injected with inhibin. Whereas FSH levels rose within a few hours after castration, they did not rise until 36-72 h after ligation of the efferent ducts. The increase in FSH concentration was accompanied by testis degeneration. It appears that if inhibin plays a role in the feedback inhibition of pituitary FSH secretion, it must enter the circulation by a route other than the rete testis fluid. As administration of rete testis fluid decreased serum FSH levels in castrated rats, but had no effect on the FSH content of the pituitary, it appears that inhibin affects the synthesis of FSH in the pituitary as well as its release.