Summary
Heparin-releasable liver-lipase like activity was studied in adrenals of intact, gonadectomized
and gonadectomized-testosterone or estradiol replaced rats.
Besides acid lipase, rat adrenals contain a neutral lipase activity. From both male
and female adrenals about 70% of this activity is extractable by heparin containing
medium. Activity of this lipase in 8000 g supernatant was higher in female than male
adrenals. Orchiectomy of 12 weeks duration increased neutral lipase activity in rat
adrenal, an effect reversed to normal level by testosterone replacement. On the other
hand ovariectomy had no effect while estradiol replacement resulted in an increased
activity of the neutral lipase of rat adrenal gland.
The results showed a distinct sex-difference in heparin-releasable liver-lipase like
activity of rat adrenals which depends on the inhibitory action of testosterone on
the enzyme activity.
Key-Words:
Rat Adrenal Neutral Lipase Activity
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Sex Differences
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Gonadectomy
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Gonadal Hormone Replacement
