[Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone on blood cells of the rat]

The effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on haemoglobin, hematocrit and white cell counts values were studied in male and female rats, castrated rats and pregnant rats. After 5 continuous days of DHEA administrated subcutaneously (80 mg/kg/d; body w.) haemoglobin and hematocrit values were similar those values obtained before the treatment. White cell counts were reduced (40%) in female no castrated rats due to a significantly lymphopenia. The white cell counts were increased in castrated rats and with DHEA administration there were reduced to the initial values. Estradiol treatment had the same effect as DHEA on castrated rats. These data suggest that DHEA administrated to castrated or sexually active male and female rats affects the white cells without important effects on red blood cells.