Dual role of testosterone in fenvalerate-treated mice with respect to thyroid function and lipid peroxidation

Effects of testosterone propionate (TP, 2.5 mg kg(-1) body weight) in fenvalerate-induced (120 mg kg(-1) body weight) thyroid dysfunction and lipid peroxidation were investigated in male mice, Testosterone propionate aggravated in the inhibition of hepatic type I iodothyronine 5'-monodeiodinase (5'D-I) activity, coupled with a decrease in serum triiodothyronine (T-3) concentration in pesticide-treated mice, However, it could ameliorate the toxicity as indicated by decreased hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) with a marginal but significant increase in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities following fenvalerate treatment. While protective effects of testosterone on LPO indicated its antiperoxidative property, the decrease in 5'D-I activity could be because of the increased accumulation of fenvalerate in the tissues following TP administration. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.