Effects of androgens and rutting season on drug metabolizing enzymes in dromedary camels

A series of experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of rutting season on metabolism of testosterone (T) and its effect on drug metabolizing enzymes in dromedary camels. Serum and tissue samples were collected from liver, testes and poll glands of rutting and non- rutting camels treated with T at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg or 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg, given intramuscularly for 7 days. Liver samples were also used to monitor drug metabolizing enzymes. Testosterone and DHT concentrations were significantly (P<0.05) increased in testicular tissue and peripheral circulation of rutting camels compared to non-rutting camels and in non-rutting camels treated with T or DHT. Drug metabolizing enzymes of phase-1 reaction were significantly (P<0.05) inhibited in livers of rutting camels and in non-rutting camels treated with T and DHT. It is suggested that co-administration of drugs metabolized by oxidation with androgens should be avoided. Such drugs may cause adverse drug reaction in rutting camels.