Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics after subcutaneous and intramuscular injection of human chorionic gonadotropin.
OBJECTIVE
The pharmacokinetics and efficiency of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) after subcutaneous (SC) injection was to clarify in comparison with the intramuscular (IM) mode of administration.


METHODS
In a prospective study, the pharmacokinetics of hCG and the response of serum testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) after an IM and SC injection of 5,000 IU hCG were evaluated up to 144 hours in two randomized groups.


METHODS
The study was carried out in a clinical dermatology department providing tertiary care.


METHODS
Twenty-four healthy male volunteers with a mean age of 22.7 +/- 4.3 years were divided into two groups.


METHODS
Human chorionic gonadotropin (5,000 IU) was injected IM or SC.


METHODS
Serum concentration of /b-hCG, T, LH, and FSH were evaluated after IM and SC administration of hCG. Differences between the two groups were determined by t-test.


RESULTS
Compared with IM administration of hCG, peak serum drug concentration was significantly delayed (P = 0.01) and serum half-life was prolonged (P = 0.01) after SC injection; however, T, LH, and FSH responses were identical.


CONCLUSIONS
Subcutaneous application of 5,000 IU hCG is as effective as IM administration in terms of steroidogenesis.
Saal
W
W
Bundeswehrzentralkrankenhaus, Koblenz, Germany.
Glowania
H J
HJ
Hengst
W
W
Happ
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000097:blood; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012016:Reference Values; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D013739:Testosterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone