Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Automated Measurement of Pulmonary Emphysema and Small Airway Remodeling in Cigarette Smoke-exposed Mice
Published on: January 16, 2015
Effects of chronic smoking on testosterone metabolism in dogs
Abstract:
The effects of long-term cigarette smoking on androgen hydroxylases and peripheral hormones were studied in male beagles. In the testis, chronic smoking of high nicotine/tar cigarettes was associated with decreased activity of the 7 alpha-hydroxylase active on testosterone (68% of control, P less than 0.05). Testicular 6 beta and 16 alpha-hydroxylases were not altered. The hepatic androgen 6 beta-hydroxylase activity in control animals was approximately 6 times the testis levels and was stimulated markedly by smoking. This increase ranged from 221% in the low nicotine/tar group (P less than 0.02) to 304% in the high nicotine/tar group (P less than 0.006). Serum testosterone levels were reduced to 54% of control (P less than 0.02) and prostate size to 44% (P less than 0.001) of control with heavy smoking. Serum LH levels were elevated with smoking. These results suggest that chronic cigarette smoking increased hepatic metabolism of testosterone. In addition, serum testosterone levels and prostate size decreased and LH levels increased. Whether the hepatic and the endocrine effects are causally related cannot be determined from this preliminary study.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
Toxicity Testing in Animals
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

