Effects of danazol on the pituitary-gonadal axis in male gerbils and mice.
Danazol administration caused lesions in the seminiferous tubules of gerbils and mice. The seminiferous epithelium became systematically depleted of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and finally spermatozoa. Danazol administration did not cause damage to the epididymal cells but was followed by a significant increase (p smaller than 0.01) in the diameter of the Leydig cell nuclei. The growth of androgen-dependent organs was reversibly suppressed after treatment. Resumption of normal gonadal function in the mouse occurred 32 days after discontinuation of medication. Danazol brought about transient changes resembling those of bilateral gonadectomy in the anterior lobe of the hypophysis. Inhibition of endogenous gonadotropins occurred, reflected in the increased basophilic cell percentage.
D000480:Alkynes / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D005849:Gerbillinae; D006065:Gonadotropins, Pituitary / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D006914:Hydroxysteroids / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D010080:Oxazoles / Q000494:pharmacology; D011245:Pregnadienes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013737:Testis / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*
D000480:Alkynes; D006065:Gonadotropins, Pituitary; D006914:Hydroxysteroids; D010080:Oxazoles; D011245:Pregnadienes