Flutamide as an androgen antagonist on epididymal function in the rat

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether flutamide (alpha-alpha-alpha--Trifluro-2-methyl-4'-nitro-m-propionatoluidide), a nonsteroidal compound acts as an androgen antagonist at the level of the epididymis. For comparison, cyproterone acetate was also evaluated under identical experimental conditions. The levels of glycerylphosphorylcholine (GPC), sialic acid, total phospholipids were used as functional indices of epididymis and, in addition, weights of the accessory sex organs were recorded. Adult male rats castrated and maintained on testosterone therapy (TP: 250 microgram/rat: i.m.) were treated with flutamide (25 mg/kg, oral) or cyproterone acetate (25 mg/kg, s.c.). Castration caused a reduction in the weight and secretory activity of the epididymis which was restored to near normal following TP replacement therapy. GPC level was found to be the most sensitive index of epididymal secretory function. The two antiandorgens antagonised the action of TP on all the accessory sex organs. These findings are discussed in relation to our previous study which demonstrated the lack of effect of flutamide on the epididymal function of intact rats.