Investigation of the Hormonal Axis Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Gonads in 20 Dialyzed Men

20 male patients suffering from end-stage chronic renal failure and maintained on hemodialysis were investigated for pituitary response to GnRH. The GnRH-Test was performed simultaneously with hemodialysis; however, hemodialysis was started 60 min. after the injection of GnRH. Basal values of LH and FSH were significantly higher (P less than 0.0001 and 0.005, respectively) than the normal range, while basal values of testosterone were in the subnormal range or depressed (P less than 0.0001). Poststimulatory values of LH were significantly lower (P less than 0.01) than normal and--other than normal--did not decline within 180 min. following injection of GnRH (P less than 0.001). The same pattern was seen for FSH, however, no statistical significance could be secured. Testosteron was elevated 30 min. after stimulation with GnRH (P less than 0.001).