Modulation in activity of some epididymal glycosidases by prolactin.

Activity of glycosidases in the epididymis was influenced by several factors originating in the testis. Activities of all the three glycosidases studied viz., beta-glucosidase, beta-galactosidase and alpha-mannosidase were found to be significantly lower in the epididymis of orchidectomized animals than in sham operated rats. However, an enhanced activity of epididymal beta-galactosidase and alpha-mannosidase was noticed in prolactin treated orchidectomized rats compared to orchidectomized rats given vehicle alone. On the other hand, activity of these two enzymes in bromocriptine treated orchidectomized rats was even lower than that found in orchidectomized rats given vehicle. Neither prolactin nor bromocriptine treatment had any significant influence on the epididymal beta-glucosidase. The results suggest a selective but definite action of prolactin on epididymal glycosidases.