Biochemical composition of rat Cowper's gland

Abstract

Cowper's glands of rats were analysed for ten different biochemical parameters including enzymes and substrates under different hormonal status of the animals. Sialic acid, glycogen and activities of maltase and alkaline phosphatase enzymes of the prepuberal glands were found to be elevated to the levels of the adult (control animals) after treatment with testosterone propionate. On the other hand, following castration of adult animals a dramatic fall of the maltase activity of the gland was recorded; other parameters studied also registered a significant fall from their normal values. However, following treatment with testosterone propionate of the castrate animals all parameters excepting total lipids and phospholipids were found to recover. Sialic acid of the prepuberal animals and maltase activity of the adult were highly sensitive to testosterone propionate.