Stimulatory effects of RNA on the growth of the seminal vesicle of immature rats.

The results of several investigations1-5 have suggested that nucleic acids play a role in mediating the anabolic action of androgens. RNA extracted from prostatic nuclei of androgen-treated castrates enhanced the incorporation of amino acids into protein in a bacterial ribosomal system.6 An RNA preparation from the uteri of estrogen-treated rats induced morphologic changes resembling those produced by estrogen when the RNA was applied locally to the uterine lumen of castrated rats.7 The activity of uterine alkaline phosphatase in castrated mice was increased by the local application of RNA from the uteri of mature mice.8 The observations of Beerman, Clever, and Karlson that ecdysone appears to stimulate the transcription of specific genetic loci in Chironomus has led to the suggestion that other hormones may have an effect at a similar site. The accessory sex glands of immature animals begin to grow concomitantly with the onset of secretion of male sex hormones from the testis. The experiments reported here show that the seminal vesicle of the three-week-old rat increases markedly in weight and reaches a peak within 48 hours of the injection of testosterone. Little is known about the possible role of RNA in regulating the growth of the seminal vesicle and other accessory male sex organs of immature animals. To test the possible role of RNA in regulating growth, we chose as our test object the seminal vesicle of the three-week-old rat, known to be sensitive to administered testosterone.9 In this communication we wish to present evidence that testosterone increases the synthesis of RNA in the seminal vesicle and prostate, that this RNA can be extracted and instilled into the lumen of the seminal vesicle of other three-weekold rats, and that it is then effective in stimulating the growth and the synthesis of protein in the tissue.