Reversible gonadotropin deficiency in male Cushing's disease.
Twelve adult males with documented active Cushing's disease were studied. Mean plasma testosterone (T) was significantly decreased: 1.8 +/- 0.3 (SEM) ng/ml (N=6.8 +/- 0.5); gonadotropin measurements in 8 patients, in basal conditions and under LH-RH iv, showed a significant decrease in both FSH and LH. A further study of 11 patients in remission of Cushing's disease indicated a significant increase in plasma T and gonadotropins up to the normal range. One patient with an initial low T value had a normalized T while in remission, then a dramatic decrease when the disease relapsed. We conclude: a hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is found in male Cushing's disease; it disappears as early as hypercortisolism is suppressed. Some possible mechanisms are discussed.
D000293:Adolescent; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood; D000328:Adult; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D003480:Cushing Syndrome / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D006065:Gonadotropins, Pituitary / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000652:urine; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008939:Mitotane / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D006065:Gonadotropins, Pituitary; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D013739:Testosterone; D008939:Mitotane; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D006854:Hydrocortisone