Authors: Anderson, R A; Wallace, A M; Kicman, A T; Wu, F C

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 12, Number 8, August 1997 , pp. 1657-1662(6)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

Administration of supraphysiological doses of testosterone to normal men causes inhibition of spermatogenesis, but while most become azoospermic, 30-55% maintain a low rate of spermatogenesis. We have investigated whether there are differences in endogenous androgen production, of testicular and adrenal origin, which may be related to the degree of suppression of spermatogenesis. Thirty-three healthy Caucasian men were given weekly i.m. injections of 200 mg testosterone oenanthate (TE), 18 became azoospermic, while 15 remained oligozoospermic. Urinary excretion of epitestosterone, a specific testicular product, was reduced to <10% of pretreatment values, with no differences between the groups. Similar results were obtained for other markers of testicular steroidogenesis. Urinary and plasma adrenal androgens were also reduced during TE treatment: a statistically significant decrease in both (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05 respectively) was seen in the azoospermic but not oligozoospermic responders. These results suggest that testicular steroidogenesis is decreased to <10% by the administration of supraphysiological doses of exogenous testosterone. Differences in the degree of ongoing steroidogenesis in the testis do not appear to account for incomplete suppression of spermatogenesis, thus differences in androgen metabolism may underlie this heterogeneous response. A small but significant reduction in secretion of adrenal androgens was also detectable, the relevance of which is unclear.

Keywords: Androgens; Biology; Clinical Research; Clinical Trials; Contraception; Contraceptive Agents, Male--administraction and do; Contraceptive Agents--administraction and dosage; Developed Countries; Endocrine System; Europe; Examinations And Diagnoses; Family Planning; Hormones; Laboratory Examinations And Diagnoses; Laboratory Procedures; Northern Europe; Physiology; Reproduction; Research Methodology; Research Report; Sperm Count; Spermatogenesis; Spermatogenesis Blocking Agents--administraction a; Testosterone; United Kingdom

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 1997-08-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

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