Cottonseed flour effects on androgen testicular content and serum levels in rats

Natural gossypol present in the whole cottonseed flour (CSF) has clear antifertility properties, decreasing the number and motility of spermatozoa. In this study the endocrine function of the testes was evaluated, measuring by specific radioimmunoassays the testicular content and the serum levels of androstenedione (A), testosterone (T), and 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone in male rats fed with different and nontoxic concentrations of CSF along with Purina chow for 4 weeks, followed by 6 weeks of a recovery period. The testicular content of A, T, and DHT decreased 63%, 90%, and 38%, respectively, in comparison with their control. The serum levels of the three androgens diminished as follows: A 74%, T 95%, and DHT 60%. All the steroids measured in the recovery period showed a tendency towards the control values in both testicular content and serum. The most affected steroid was testosterone, which, after the recovery period, did not reach the control values. A also decreased, suggesting a blockade in testicular steroidogenesis caused by the initial diet.