Serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone changes with age in rat.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Andrology
• Animal Science

Background:

• Testosterone (T) and 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are key androgens influencing male physiology.
• Age-related changes in androgen levels are crucial for understanding male reproductive health and aging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify and compare serum T and DHT levels across different age groups of male rats.
• To investigate the specific age-related dynamics of these critical hormones.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples from young, adult, and old Albino Wistar male rats were analyzed.
• Radioimmunoassay was employed for sensitive and reliable measurement of T and DHT.
• Thin-layer chromatography was used to accurately separate T from DHT prior to measurement.

Main Results:

• Serum T levels were significantly higher in adult rats (250 ± 27 ng/100 ml) compared to young rats (62 ± 11 ng/100 ml).
• Serum T levels were significantly lower in old rats (125 ± 25 ng/100 ml) compared to adult rats.
• Serum DHT levels peaked in adult rats (19 ± 2 ng/100 ml) and remained elevated in old rats (17 ± 1 ng/100 ml) compared to young rats (8 ± 2 ng/100 ml).

Conclusions:

• Androgen levels, particularly testosterone, exhibit significant age-dependent variations in male rats.
• While testosterone declines with age, DHT levels appear more stable in older male rats.
• These findings contribute to understanding the hormonal shifts during male aging in mammals.