THE EFFECT OF 2-BROMO-α-ERGOCRYPTINE (CB154) ADMINISTRATION ON THE HORMONE LEVELS, ORGAN WEIGHTS, PROSTATIC MORPHOLOGY AND ZINC CONCENTRATIONS IN THE MALE RAT

Abstract

2-Bromo-.alpha.-ergocryptine (CB154) administration to male rats significantly decreased plasma prolactin levels without changing the LH [luteinizing hormone] and testosterone concentrations. The weights of the accessory sex tissues, testes, adrenals and kidney were unaltered by the treatment. Zn concentration and distribution in the cell organelles of the prostatic tissue was markedly changed by CB154 treatment. No changes in the uptake of testosterone in vivo occurred in the treated animals. Prolactin did not consistenly influence the prostatic adenylate cyclase activity in vitro, and only at high concentrations was the testosterone uptake in vitro with cultures of prostatic tissue increased.