title: Male hypothalamic hypogonadism: induction of spermatogenesis by subcutaneous pulsatile gonadotrophin-releasing hormone.
abstract: Six male patients (aged 21-34 years) with isolated hypothalamic hypogonadism were given subcutaneous pulses of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone every 90 min for 14-74 weeks. The therapy produced an increase in testicular volume (4 patients) and a rise in serum luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone levels in every patient. Motile sperm developed in 3 patients after a mean of 17 weeks, but were not seen in other patients who were less sexually developed after a mean of 31 weeks of therapy. Computerized tomography scans of the pituitary fossa revealed an empty sella in 4 patients and a partially empty sella in 2. Subcutaneous pulsing of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone is a simple and safe way of inducing spermatogenesis, but it is more likely to be successful in patients whose pubertal development is otherwise near completion. Previous human chorionic gonadotrophin and/or testosterone treatment does not interfere with and may benefit subsequent gonadotrophin-releasing hormone therapy.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007027:Hypothalamic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D007260:Infusion Pumps; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D010906:Pituitary Hormone-Releasing Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000187:drug effects*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D010906:Pituitary Hormone-Releasing Hormones; D013739:Testosterone; D004958:Estradiol; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone