Effects of Selective Depletion of Luteinizing Hormone and Testosterone on the Pituitary-Gonadal Axis

Daily treatment of adult male rats with an antiserum specific to LH caused a precipitious fall in plasma testosterone levels by 18 h. The levels of FSH were unchanged thoughout the observation period (72 h). The fact that such low testosterone levels did not cause any alteration in FSH secretion strengthens the possibility that other factors (e. g. inhibin) may be involved in modulating FSH levels, in addition to testosterone.     

十一酸睾酮对正常男性精子发生的影响(4例报告)

为了解肌注十一酸睾酮对男性精子发生的影响以及所用剂量对人体是否有毒副作用。作者对４例健康男性每月肌注５００ｍｇ十一酸睾酮,直到严重少精症或无精症。每月随访了解有无不适反应、精子变化和血清生殖激素的水平。结果２例用药５月时达严重少精症,３例用药３～６月时达无精症,停药后无精症可持续３～５个月。在注药期开始后６～９个月精子密度恢复到正常,未发现近期毒副反应。随访期间血清ＦＳＨ、ＬＨ、精子密度、精子活力     

Temporal changes in the serum levels of gonadotrophins and testosterone in male rats bearing subcutaneous implants of 5α-dihydrotestosterone

This study has assessed the effect of s.c. implants of 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on the blood levels of testosterone and gonadotrophins in intact and castrated adult male rats. The rats were bled via cardiac puncture at 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63 and 70 days after DHT implantation. On days 28 and 49 post-implantation, rats were injected with LHRH (25 ng) and bled 15 min later. In intact rats bearing DHT implants, the serum levels of LH and testosterone were suppressed significantly with no significant changes in FSH levels. Ventral prostate, seminal vesicles and the pituitary were reduced significantly in weight when compared with controls with empty implants. DHT significantly inhibited LHRH-induced release of FSH in intact rats. In castrated rats, DHT implants inhibited the secretion of both LH and FSH, with a rise in serum DHT levels. DHT stimulated the LHRH-induced release of LH but inhibited FSH. DHT implants increased the weight of the seminal vesicles and ventral prostate but inhibited the weight of the pituitary when compared to castrated rats bearing empty implants. This study demonstrates specific inhibition of serum LH and testosterone by DHT implants in intact adult rats.     

Focal testicular destruction following intratesticular injection of glycerol in rats

Single intratesticular injections of glycerol have been reported to block spermatogenesis in rats without a concomitant change in the serum levels of testosterone and gonadotrophins (Wiebe & Barr 1983, 1984). The present studies were designed in order to confirm these effects and to cast light on the mechanism of action of glycerol. Groups of adult rats received intratesticular injections of either 200 microliter distilled water, glycerol or NaCl-solution. Following the injection of distilled water testicular histology appeared unaltered except for a few empty tubules around the injection site, which probably resulted from injection trauma. Injection of glycerol solution (greater than 3500 mosmol) caused partial tubule destruction. The most severely affected tubules were devoid of cells and filled with amorphous material. Serum FSH concentrations increased sharply in the first week and remained elevated during the entire study period of 8 weeks. Injection of an equi-osmolar NaCl-solution had very similar effects to glycerol on the testes and on hormone levels, suggesting that hyperosmolarity of the injected solutions rather than a specific action of the compounds caused the testicular damage. It is concluded that a single intratesticular injection of glycerol causes severe testicular damage and, in contrast to previous suggestions, appears unsuitable for male fertility regulation.     

Dynamic study of serum gonadotrophin and testosterone levels in gossypol-treated men Long term follow-up study of 60 cases

The endocrine effects of gossypol were studied in 26 men for 52 months before, during and after treatment. A further 34 subjects were studied after cessation of gossypol treatment. A control group of 60 age-matched volunteers were monitored for 1 year. No significant changes in testosterone levels were observed during the course of study. Serum LH levels were, however, significantly higher (P less than 0.001) during earlier phases of gossypol treatment and returned to normal after cessation of treatment except in 14 men with persistent disruption of spermatogenesis. In the latter, serum levels of LH and testosterone were significantly higher (P less than 0.001) than those found in normal subjects and significantly lower (P less than 0.05) than in those subjects in which spermatogenesis had recovered. Serum FSH levels did not rise during the first 8-9 months of treatment with gossypol, although azoospermia generally occurred within 76 days of commencing treatment. After 9 months of treatment, serum FSH levels rose gradually and remained significantly elevated (P less than 0.001) after cessation of treatment in both the azoospermic/oligospermic group and in the group in which spermatogenesis recovered. In the latter group the serum levels of FSH were correlated significantly with the sperm concentration.     

Dose-Dependent Inhibition of Spermatogenesis in Mature Rams with Exogenous Testosterone

Testicular and accessory sex gland function was examined in 20 mature breeding rams that received graded dosages of testosterone (T) by subdermal Silastic implants or intramuscular injections. Treatments were imposed for 72 days during the normal breeding season. As compared with control rams, rams implanted with 20 T-filled Silastic capsules had greatly reduced testes (24%) and epididymides (53%) weights as well as total daily sperm production (3.3%) and epididymal sperm reserves (3.9%). These effects were produced when scrum T concentrations were increased four-fold over those of control rams, serum LH was non-detectable and serum FSH was substantially decreased. Testicular weight and total daily sperm production were less dramatically reduced in rams given T (2 times 250 mg/day) by injection. In spite of the high serum T concentrations observed in injected rams, weights of the accessory sex glands were not significantly affected. Treatment with 5 or 20 T-filled Silastic capsules or by injection of T not only suppressed gonadotropin secretion and spermatogenesis but also reduced T concentrations in rete testis fluid. A high correlation (r=0.94, P < 0.01) between daily sperm production and T concentrations in rete testis fluid was calculated in this study. Results presented herein indicate that 1) treatment of rams with exogenous T affects spermatogenesis in a dose-dependent manner and 2) spermatogenic yield is related to T concentrations in fluid of the rete testis.     

醋酸棉酚对男子垂体－性腺轴功能的影响

报道２２例长期停服棉酚男子性激素的水平及其对ＬＨＲＨ和ｈＣＧ刺激的反应。２２例中，１１例生精功能未恢复者（无精子症组）的ＦＳＨ和ＬＨ基础值及其对ＬＨＲＨ刺激反应均显著高于正常对照组（１１例），而睾酮（Ｔ）基础值和Ｔ／ＬＨ比值及Ｔ对ｈＣＧ刺激反应显著低于正常对照组。生精功能恢复组（１１例）的ＦＳＨ基础值及其对ＬＨＲＨ刺激在应均显著高于正常对照组。但是，ＬＨ和Ｔ基础值及其对ＬＨＲＨ和ｈＣＧ刺激反应，二者差异不显著。这些结果说明，不适当的棉酚治疗所引起的永久无精子症者，全睾丸细胞受到严重损害，垂体－睾丸轴系功能调节发生紊乱；而适量的棉酚所引起的暂时无精子症，生精功能恢复以后，睾丸内分泌一般均正常     

Clinical evaluation of spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit in oligospermia

The safety and spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit (PS) were evaluated in oligospermic patients. Initially, 60 infertile male patients were assessed and those having total sperm counts below 20 million ml⁻¹ semen were considered oligospermic and enrolled in the study ( n  = 35). PS capsule (100 mg) was administered twice daily after major meals for 90 days. Total semenogram and serum testosterone, luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone were estimated before and at the end of the treatment. Malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker for oxidative stress, content of semen and biochemical parameters for safety were also evaluated. Twenty-eight patients who completed the treatment showed significant ( P  < 0.001) improvement in spermia (+37.6%), total sperm count (+61.4%), motility (12.4–17.4% after different time intervals), normal sperm count (+18.9%) with concomitant decrease in pus and epithelial cell count compared with baseline value. Significant decrease of semen MDA content (−18.7%) was observed. Moreover, serum testosterone (+23.5%; P  < 0.001) and FSH (+9.4%; P  < 0.05) levels significantly increased. HPLC chromatogram revealed inclusion of PS constituents in semen. Unaltered hepatic and renal profiles of patients indicated that PS was safe at the given dose. The present findings provide further evidence of the spermatogenic nature of Shilajit, as attributed in Ayurvedic medicine, particularly when administered as PS.     

Testosterone Regulation of Luteinizing Hormone Secretion in the Male Dog

In the first experiment, plasma levels of testosterone (T) and LH were determined in male mongrel dogs following castration. Blood samples were collected every 4 h for 48 h and daily from days 3–12 post-castration. Plasma T concentrations became undetectable by 8 h post-castration, and remained undetectable until the end of the study. Plasma LH concentrations were undetectable for 16–20 h post-castration, but increased to 4.5 ng/ml by 24 h. By 48 h, post-castration, the LH reached 12.5 ng/ml, similar to levels reported previously in the castrated male dog.
In a second experiment, studies were carried out to determine the effect of various numbers of T-filled polydimethylsiloxane (PDS) capsules on plasma concentrations of T and LH in castrated male dogs. Dogs were implanted with either 1 empty PDS capsule or 1, 3, or 5 T-filled PDS capsules. Blood samples were collected daily prior to implantation, following implantation, following castration, with capsules left in situ and following capsule removal. Replacement of T, using one T-filled capsule, did not prevent the post-castration rise of LH. Replacement of T. using 3 and 5 T-filled capsules, maintained intact concentrations of both LH and T in castrated dogs. Removal of capsules from castrated dogs resulted in hypersecretion of LH similar to that observed in the first experiment. These studies indicate that T replacement within physiological limits will maintain LH in the castrated male dog at concentrations similar to those observed in the intact, untreated animal.     

Effect of testicular capsulotomy on secretion of testosterone and gonadotrophins in rats

Aim: In order to clarify further the mechanisms underlying the effect of capsulotomy on testicular function, the levels of testosterone, LH and FSH were observed. Methods: Intratesticular testosterone levels and LH, FSH levels in the peripheral blood of normal, sham-operated and capsulotomized rats were detected by RIA. Results: After testicular capsulotomy, there was a progressive reduction in the testosterone level in the testicular venous blood together with a progressive increase in the LH and FSH levels in the peripheral blood from approximately 30 days post-capsulotomy. Morphological changes were observed at 5-10 days after capsulotomy, i.e., far ahead of the hormonal changes.Conclusion: The seminiferous tubular damage after testicular capsulotomy was not caused by the reduction in testosterone, and on the contrary, the hormonal change might be secondary to the morphological alterations. The increase in LH level most likely resulted from a negative feedback influence from the lowered testosterone level, while the increase in FSH secretion may be a feedback signal of the damaged seminiferous tubules. (Asian J Androl 2000 Dec;2:257-261)     

高原老年男性性激素的变化研究

目的 :研究高原老年男性血清睾酮 (T)与雌二醇 (E2 )演变的特征。　方法 :按照居住在 310 0m高原的年限 ,90例老年男性 ,年龄在 6 0～ 76岁 ,分为 3组 :组 1(高原居住 1年 ,n =30 ) ;组 2 (高原居住 2年 ,n =30 ) ;组 3(高原本地老年居民 >10年 ,n =30 ) ,对照组 6 0例为年龄配伍的居住平原的老年居民。采用放射免疫技术分别测定血清T与E2水平和T/E2比值。　结果 :组 1、组 2和组 3的T、E2和T/E2比值分别为 42 .2± 38.5、70 .0± 31.5、190 .3± 73.5 ,44 .0± 42 .2、6 0 .6± 2 8.3、144 .9± 6 2 .0和 0 .96± 0 .19、1.16± 0 .11、1.33± 0 .2 4。组 3和T、E2和T/E2比组 1、组 2有极显著增高 (P <0 .0 0 1)。　结论 :高原老年男性的性激素水平随居住年限而增加。     

Comparison of the Biological and Immunological Activities of Serum Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle Stimulating Hormone in Infertile Males

Summary:  The biological and immunological activities of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in the serum of infertile males were determined by radioreceptor (RRA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA), respectively.
In some sera the biological activity of serum LH was lower than expected on the basis of the RIA-data. In contrast, some sera contained unusually high levels of biologically active LH as demonstrated by RRA, despite not being detected in these amounts by RIA.
Prolonged exposure of the gonad to such high levels of biologically active LH might cause end-organ desensitization resulting in infertility. The detection of such cases by the use of RRA could permit therapy in these individuals or exclude patients from treatment.
Zusammenfassung:  Vergleich der biologischen und immunologischen Aktivitäten des luteinisierenden und des follikelstimulierenden Mormons aus dem Serum infertiler Männer
Die biologischen und immunologischen Aktivitäten des luteinisierenden Hormons (LH) und des follikelstimulierenden Hormons (FSH) im Serum infertiler Männer wurden durch Radiorezeptor-Assay (RRA) und Radioimmun-Assay (RIA) ermit-telt.
In einigen Seren mit relativ hohen immunologischen LH-Aktivitaten waren die biologischen LH-Aktivitäten niedriger als erwartet. Demgegenüber konnten bei einigen Proben überdurchschnittlich hohe Werte für biologisch aktives LH nachgewiesen werden, obwohl diese Seren bei RIA normale LH-Werte aufwiesen.
Eine andauernde Exposition der Gonaden solch hoher Mengen an biologisch aktivem LH, die durch RIA nicht aufgedeckt werden, kdnnte eine Gonaden-Insensitivität gegenüber diesem Hormon und damit Infertilität verursachen. Die Erfassung solcher Fälle mittels Radiorezeptor-Assay könnte die Therapie dieser Individuen ermöglichen bzw. sie von der Therapie ausschließen.     

Recovery of serum testosterone after neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy and radical radiotherapy in localized prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate the time-course of recovery of serum testosterone levels after a short course of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogue (LHRHa) and radical radiotherapy to the prostate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were sequentially measured prospectively in 59 men who received short-course LHRHa treatment and radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer. Measurements were made before treatment (baseline), during LHRHa treatment, and at 6, 12, 18, 24 and >40 weeks after the last LHRHa injection. RESULTS: The median (range) time from the first to last LHRHa injection was 116 (54-194) days. The mean (95% confidence interval) testosterone levels (in nmol/L) at baseline, during treatment and at 6, 12, 18, 24 and >40 weeks afterward were 12.0 (10.8-13.1), 0.6 (0.5-0.7), 1.4 (0.6-2.2), 11.4 (9.7-13), 12.2 (10.5-14), 10.4 (8.9-12) and 11.7 (10.5-13). Four men had low baseline testosterone levels (<6.1 nmol/L). At 6 weeks after the last LHRHa injection, no men had testosterone levels in the 'normal' range; 35% were in the normal range at 12 weeks, 85% at 18 weeks, 89% at 24 weeks, and 96% at 1 year. CONCLUSION: After LHRHa treatment and radiotherapy, the testosterone levels of most men had recovered to normal by 18-24 weeks after the last LHRHa injection.     

Biologically Active Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in Klinefelter''s Syndrome: Response to Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) and Effects of Testosterone Undecanoate

Basal and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-stimulated levels of biologically active and immunoreactive LH (bLH and iLH) were measured in six patients with Klinefelter's syndrome (KS) (mean age 24.7 years). In the same patients the diurnal rhythm of serum testosterone (T) was investigated (morning values vs. evening values). The results were compared with those obtained in ten normal young men (mean age 29.3 years). Moreover, in one patient with KS we studied the effects of testosterone undecanoate (TU) administration on bLH and iLH basal levels. A sensitive "in vitro" bioassay, based on T production by mechanically dispersed mouse Leydig cells, was employed to assess LH bioactivity. Levels of iLH and T were determined by a double antibody radio-immunoassay technique. Mean basal levels of bLH and iLH were significantly higher (p less than 0.001) in the Klinefelter patients than in normal men, whereas the mean bioactivity to immunoreactivity (b/i) ratio of LH was similar in the two groups. The mean morning T concentration was significantly higher in normal men (p less than 0.001) than in the Klinefelter group. The diurnal T rhythm was lost in the patients with KS. In the Klinefelter patients the relative maximum response of bLH to GnRH (bLH delta%) was significantly lower (p less than 0.02) than in the control men. In addition, the b/i ratio of GnRH-stimulated Lh decreased significantly (p less than 0.05) from basal values in the Klinefelter patients, whereas it remained unchanged in the control group. In the patient with KS treated with androgen replacement therapy, TU decreased iLH serum levels more than bLH concentrations, thereby increasing the b/i ratio of basally secreted LH.     

Plasma Testosterone, Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone one Day after Vasectomy

Plasma testosterone, LH and FSH were measured in 20 healthy subjects prior to and one day after bilateral vasectomy. No significant change in these hormones was noted after surgery. These data suggest that the decrease in free testosterone index and FSH reported by others at one week post-vasectomy is probably not related to the effects of psychological stress, local anesthesia or surgical stress, either singularly or in concert. Further studies are indicated to evaluate the transient hormonal changes reported within the first few weeks following vasectomy.     

COVID-19 pneumonia causes lower testosterone levels

To evaluate the testicular damage caused by COVID-19, we prospectively evaluated 44 patients who applied to the COVID-19 outpatient clinic between March 2020 and July 2020. Patients' ages, COVID-19 PCR results, presence of pneumonia, total testosterone, luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) values were recorded. It was evaluated whether there were significant differences between people who were positive for COVID-19 and those who were not. Any differences between those who had COVID-19 pneumonia and those who did not were also recorded. There was no difference between the FSH, LH and testosterone values of the COVID-19 PCR positive and negative patients (p = 0.80, vp = 0.62, p = 0.56 respectively). However when LH values were separated as low, normal and high, LH values were statistically significantly higher in the COVID-19 PCR positive group (p = 0.04). Thoracic computed tomography was performed in 42 patients. Testosterone levels were significantly lower in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia (p = 0.01). When FSH, LH and testosterone values were separated as low, normal and high, there was no difference in FSH and LH values (p = 1, p = 0.2). Testosterone levels were found significantly lower in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia (p < .001). Testosterone levels seem to decrease during acute COVID-19 infection, especially in the patient group with viral pneumonia.     

高海拔地区失血性休克早期限制性液体复苏临床研究

目的探讨高海拔地区失血性休克早期限制性液体复苏的临床意义。方法2001年12月至2003年12月根据不同的复苏方式将41例失血性休克病人分为对照组和实验组,检测血红蛋白(HB)、血小板计数(PLT)、红细胞压积(HCT)、血清乳酸水平和失血量变化情况,比较限制性液体复苏与常规液体复苏对高海拔地区失血性休克病人的疗效。结果不同处置后12h两组HCT变化差异有显著性意义(P<0.05);12h及24h两组PLT变化差异有显著性意义(P<0.05);24h两组血清乳酸变化差异有显著性意义(P<0.05)。结论高海拔地区失血性休克病人早期液体复苏时,限制液体复苏相对于快速大量液体复苏不至于扰乱机体的代偿机制和内环境,且对改善细胞氧代谢更有利。     

下丘脑-垂体-卵巢轴分泌模式的变化与控制性卵巢刺激的应用

女性的生殖内分泌随着年龄而发生变化,下丘脑-垂体同卵巢一样随着年龄增长功能逐渐降低.在控制性卵巢刺激(controlled ovarian timulation,COS)中,我们应具体结合患者的年龄及内分泌状态,采取多元化的促排方案,获得高质量卵子.