Testicular testosterone concentrations in protein-calorie malnourished rats

The effects of protein-calorie malnutrition on testicular testosterone were studied at 5-day intervals in rats from 20 to 80 days of age. A significant increase in steroid hormone production did not occur in the malnourished rats before 60 days of age, whereas in well-fed controls, a marked rise was recorded between days 35 and 40. These changes correspond to a 5- to 10-day period which preceded the first appearance of mature sperm in both animal groups.