Effects of prolactin and bromocriptine on physiological status of testis of the musk shrew (Suncus murinus L.).

This investigation was undertaken to study the effects of prolactin and bromocriptine on the testis of the musk shrew. None of these treatments had any effect on the weight of testis or on the accessory sex organs. Treatment of prolactin or bromocriptine failed to induce any change in esterified and free cholesterol content of the testis. No significant alterations were also recorded in the levels of macromolecules and in the levels of enzymes of the testis and the prostate gland. On the other hand, bromocriptine treatment resulted in an increase in the activity of Mg2+-ATPase and phospholipid:DNA ratio of the testis with a concomitant decrease in its DNA content. The absence of any change in the content of fructose in the ampullary gland, in the activity of beta-glucuronidase of the kidney, in cholesterol content of the testis, in diameters of seminiferous tubule and Leydig cell nucleus, in activities of acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase of the testis and in the weight of accessory sex organs of prolactin and bromocriptine treated musk shrews suggests that prolactin does not play a significant role in regulating the testicular function of the musk shrew.