Activity of Succinic Dehydrogenase and Cytochrome Oxydase of Liver Mitochondria in Rats Treated with Cortisone and with an Anabolic Androgen. ∗

Abstract

Summary

Two respiratory enzymes in liver mitochondria of rats treated with cortisone and an anabolic androgen were studied. The activity of succinic dehydrogenase of cortisone treated animals was depressed. This depression was reversible and the interruption of treatment resulted in normalization of activity of this enzyme. Anabolic steroid Methandrostenolone did not affect this enzyme nor did combined treatment with cortisone and anabolizer prevent the action of cortisone on succinic dehydrogenase. Cytochrome oxydase activity of liver mitochondria was not affected by C²¹ and C¹⁹ steroids used in this study. It is apparent that at least one site for the impairment of respiratory metabolism after cortisone is located at the level of Krebs cycle between the succinic and fumarate.