SERUM MELATONIN LEVELS IN ANIMAL MODEL OF ANDROPAUSE UNDERGOING TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Delian P. Delev

Volume : IV, Issue : VIII, August - 2015

SERUM MELATONIN LEVELS IN ANIMAL MODEL OF ANDROPAUSE UNDERGOING TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Delian P. Delev

Abstract :

Introduction: The pineal gland, called epiphysis as well, is a small endocrine structure, situated in the middle ain. Its main hormone is N–acetyl–5–methoxytriptamine or more often called melatonin. A set of studies show that the levels of melatonin lower with the age. There is discrepant data about the collaboration between the pineal gland and the gonad function. Aim: The aim of the current experiment is to study the dynamics in the values of serum testosterone and melatonin during replacement therapy with testosterone propionate in dose 4 and 8 mg/kg body mass (b. m.). Material and Method: Orchiectomized and aged male rats were used, in a condition of acute and chronic treatment (15 days, 15 weeks). The levels of serum testosterone and melatonin were prosecuted. Results: The supplementation with testosterone increased its levels with significance at the higher dose. Increased serum levels of testosterone were observed in the aged male rats as well, as a result of the application of its propionate salt. Significance resulted from the chronic use of dose 8 mg/kg b. m. The acute and chronic application of testosterone propionate on aged male rats in 4mg/kg b. m. dose decreases significantly the levels of serum melatonin (p=0.041, p=0,019). At the higher dose this effect is not significant. Conclusions: Testosterone propionate, applied on rats with androgen deficiency in dose 8 mg/kg b. m. reestablishes the physiological levels of total testosterone. Testosterone propionate has a bi– directional effect over the level of melatonin. Data about its increase in aged male rats treated with testosterone propionate is established.