The effect of prepubertal castration was investigated in the soleus, semimembranosus
and levator ani muscles of rat, using light and electronmicroscopic morphometric methods.
After castration the semimembranosus and the levator ani muscles showed significant
morphometrical alterations. The weight of the muscles diminished, the diameter of
the white fibers decreased. The ultrastructure of these muscles showed a well expressed
myofibrillar atrophy. The changes in the semimembranosus muscle were less severe.
The slow oxidative soleus muscle did not show any similar alterations.
The changes in the levator ani and semimembranosus muscles could be prevented or moderated
by testosterone substitution.
Muscle Fiber Types
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Prepubertal Castration
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Light and Electron Microscopic Morphometry
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Different Androgen Sensitivity
