Serum testosterone and corticosterone levels in acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in male Wistar rats.

MACCIÓ DR, CALFA G, VOLOSÍN M, ROTH GA.

MAGHIRA & MAAS PUBLICATIONS

Año: 2004 vol. 25 p. 196 - 196

p>Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced to investigate the levels of circulating total testosterone (TT) and the possible association of corticosterone with the steroid-producing capacity of the testes. SETTING AND DESIGN: We determined gonad weights, serum TT and corticosterone levels during the development of EAE in male rats. METHODS: Active EAE was induced in young male Wistar rats by injection of whole myelin in complete Freund's adjuvant. All the rats were weighted and monitored daily for clinical signs and blooded during different phases of the disease. Serum TT was measured by radioimmunoassay and circulating corticosterone was determined using a competitive enzyme immunoassay. Also testes and seminal vesicles were removed to determine their weights. RESULTS: Seminal vesicle weights and serum TT levels diminished during the acute stage of the disease in all EAE rats and then