William O. Maddock

Improvement in spermatogenesis following depression of the human testis with testosterone.

The short- and long-term effects of testosterone were studied in healthy young adult men. 13 patients were injected with 25 mg/day testosterone propionate for 24-29 days and 7 patients were implanted subcutaneously with 3-7 pellets (75 mg each) of unconjugated testosterone. Biopsies taken on the last day of injection and at 3 6 and 12 months after implantation revealed damage to both spermatogenesis and the interstitial Leydig cells. Most of the testicular changes were attributable to the withdrawal of gonadotropic stimulation. Some recovery of germinal and interstitial elements was observed in biopsies obtained 5-6 months after cessation of treatment. Biopsies taken 12-31 months after the termination of treatment indicated a marked improvement in testicular morphology and function compared to pre-treatment status. Disappearance of hyalinization of the seminiferous tubules was the most striking histological finding. Application of the rebound response to testosterone in the treatment of male infertility is discussed.

Prevention of the Anti-Curare Action of Epinephrine by Dibenamine

Summary The effects of Dibenamine on the anti-curare actions of epinephrine and of KC1 have been studied in 7 dogs anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital or with morphine and ether. Dibenamine, in doses of 25-45 mg per kg, prevents the anti-curare action of epinephrine but does not prevent the anti-curare action of potassium chloride.

Dichotomy Between Hypophyseal Content and Amount of Circulating Gonadotropins During Starvation.

Summary During starvation circulating gonadotrophins fall precipitously whereas the content of hypophyseal gonadotrophin remains as high as under normal circumstances. This is in direct contrast to the usual situation in which pituitary gonadotrophin content accurately reflects the amount released into the circulation.

The Clinical Uses of Testosterone in the Male

Publisher Summary This chapter elaborates that androgen therapy causes a specific and desirable response in certain situations; in other situations, it elicits a response in which it is not the drug of choice, and in another situation, the response elicited is highly undesirable. There are a number of situations in which testosterone has been repeatedly applied and found to have no specific beneficial effect and in which it may even prove to be harmful. These include the use of testosterone in psychogenic impotence, homosexuality, angina pectoris, and benign prostate hypertrophy. Testosterone has been used in many other conditions, such as tinea capitis infestation, peptic ulcer, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus in which little benefit from its use could be expected. The use of steroid hormones for their protein anabolic effects is being systematically investigated in many qualified laboratories and answers should be forthcoming in the near future.