Biochemical modulation of the submandibular salivary gland of castrated male mice treated with anabolic steroids.

The possibility that 19-nortestosterone decanoate, an anabolic steroid which has no androgenic effect in mice, may promote the recovery of certain biochemical parameters of the submandibular gland of castrated mice had been studied. It was demonstrated that protein, RNA and sialic acid concentrations, as well as, protease, acid phosphatase and succinate dehydrogenase activities were found to be similar to control values in the castrated mice treated with 19-nortestosterone decanoate (anabolic steroid) or testosterone propionale. The effects on seminal vesicle and levator ani muscle were also considered. The interaction between 19-nortestosterone decanoale and androgen-binding receptors in the submandibular gland is discussed.