Suppression of androgen production by D-tryptophan-6-luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in man.
Four male transsexual subjects were given a superactive luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogue, D-tryptophan-6-LHRH at daily doses of 100 micrograms for 3--6 mo. A decrease in beard growth, acne, and erectile potency was noted; the latter was documented objectively with the recordings of nocturnal penile tumescence episodes. Plasma testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels fell to castrate values; basal prolactin and luteinizing hormone levels showed a small decline, whereas the acutely releasable luteinizing hormone was significantly suppressed. A rise of plasma testosterone from castrate to normal levels was demonstrable with the use of human chorionic gonadotropin. Discontinuation of treatment led to a normalization of erectile potency and plasma testosterone. The suppression of Leydig cell function by D-tryptophan-6-LHRH might have wide application in reproductive biology and in endocrine-dependent neoplasia (where it could replace surgical castration).
D000328:Adult; D000728:Androgens / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D013196:Dihydrotestosterone / Q000097:blood; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006728:Hormones / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D014189:Transsexualism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017329:Triptorelin Pamoate
D000728:Androgens; D006728:Hormones; D017329:Triptorelin Pamoate; D013196:Dihydrotestosterone; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D013739:Testosterone; D011388:Prolactin; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone