Effects of castration and antiandrogens (RU 23908 and cyproterone acetate) on glandulain activity and on the secretory epithelium of the rat submandibular gland.

1. The influence of hormones on the submandibular gland of rodents has attracted more attention since the observation of the sexual dimorphism of these organs. Androgens enhance both the development and the secretory activity of the gland. 2. In the present investigation we have studied the differences in wet weight, protein content, glandulain activity and morphometry of granular convoluted tubules of submandibular glands excised from control, castrated and antiandrogen-treated (RU 23908 or cyproterone acetate) male adult albino rats. 3. Castration and antiandrogenic treatment did not affect the wet weight or protein content of the organs. Castration or treatment with RU 23908, but not treatment with cyproterone acetate, decreased glandulain activity and the height of the secretory epithelium of granular ducts. 4. The morphology and glandulain activity of submandibular gland granular ducts do not seem to be related solely to plasma testosterone concentration. Different hormonal treatments are needed to identify other factors implicated in the phenomenon.