Regulation of adrenal and hepatic alpha-tocopherol content by androgens and estrogens.

Previous studies demonstrated that alpha-tocopherol concentrations were far greater in adrenal glands and in livers from female rats than in those from males. Studies were done to investigate the role of androgens and estrogens in the regulation of adrenal and hepatic alpha-tocopherol content. In males and females, adrenal concentrations of alpha-tocopherol were approx. 10-fold greater than those in liver and the highest concentrations of alpha-tocopherol were in the crude mitochondrial fractions in both organs. Castration of female rats decreased alpha-tocopherol concentrations in adrenals and in livers. Proportionately similar declines occurred in both organs and in all subcellular fractions. The effects of castration were prevented by estradiol replacement at the time of surgery. Gonadectomy in male rats had effects opposite to those in females, increasing adrenal and hepatic alpha-tocopherol concentrations. Testosterone administration to castrated males prevented the increases in adrenal and hepatic alpha-tocopherol content. Neither castration nor gonadal hormone replacement in either sex had any effect on plasma alpha-tocopherol levels or on cytosolic ascorbic acid concentrations in adrenals or livers. The results indicate a role for estrogens and androgens in the regulation of adrenal and hepatic concentrations of alpha-tocopherol. The opposing effects of androgens and estrogens fully account for the sex differences in tissue alpha-tocopherol levels in rats.