Sebaceous Gland Lipogenesis Induced by Testosterone: Early Metabolic Events

A comprehensive investigation into the primary metabolic events (those occurring 24 hours after treatment) involved in the response of the preputial gland of the mouse to stimulation by testosterone was conducted. The ion chamber respirometer technique was employed, using as a model sebaceous structure, the preputial gland of the mouse which is easily isolated and responds readily to steroid hormone. The parameters chosen to be measured were the following: glucose-114C and glucose-614C oxidation, change in RNA/DNA ratios and increased lipogenesis from glucose. The results provide evidence that the earliest responses (24–72 hours) of the gland to testosterone are a two-three fold stimulation of 14CO2 production from glucose-1-14C, an increase in RNA/DNA ratios, and increased incorporation of label into all lipids, with most increase among the alcohol-containing lipids. An increase in the oxidation of glucose-1-14C provides an excellent preliminary assay for androgen stimulation of preputial gland metabolism