Purine nucleotide metabolism was studied in rat liver by following the incorporation of 14C-formate into soluble nucleotides, uric acid and RNA ribonucleotides. After castration, GMP formation was less than that of AMP, and purine nucleotide catabolism and RNA synthesis decreased. Testosterone administration did not modify GMP or AMP synthesis, but restored purine nucleotide catabolism and RNA production to normal values. These results demonstrate the influence of testosterone on purine nucleotide metabolism in a non-reproductive organ.