Interactions of androgens and prolactin in the seminal vesicles of mature bonnet monkeys, Macaca radiata. I. Nucleic acids and phosphatases

The effects of prolactin (PRL), bromocriptine, testosterone propionate (TP), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and the combinations of these androgens with PRL or bromocriptine on nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) and phosphomonoesterases (acid and alkaline phosphatase) of the seminal vesicles of castrated mature bonnet monkeys were studied. Castration decreased body weight, and seminal vesicle organ weight, nucleic acids and acid and alkaline phosphatases. TP/DHT replacement to castrates restored body weights and seminal vesicle DNA to normal and markedly increased the weight, RNA content and acid and alkaline phosphatase activities of the seminal vesicles. PRL did not alter body weight and increased the weight of the seminal vesicles, and their RNA content and phosphomonoesterase activities. PRL + TP/DHT enhanced all parameters. Bromocriptine given alone decreased body weight and acid phosphatase. Bromocriptine given along with TP/DHT suppressed the stimulatory influence of these androgens on most of the parameters studied. The results of the present study suggest that PRL has a specific stimulatory effect on seminal vesicle growth and function, that the presence of PRL is essential for androgen action, and that PRL acts synergistically with androgens.