Leydig cell function in idiopathic oligospermia.

Abstract

To assess Leydig cell function in men with idiopathic oligospermia, serum levels of testosterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone were measured before and after the administration of human chorionic gonadotopin (hCG) to men with oligospermia (< 20 x 10(6) sperm/ml). Serum testosterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels, both basally and after 2 or 72 hours of hCG stimulation of Leydig cell output, were the same in the oligospermic and control groups, although basal serum testosterone levels correlated directly with sperm density (r = 0.34; P < 0.05). The basal serum level of luteinizing hormone (LH) was slightly but significantly higher in the oligospermic group than in the control group (12.0 +/- 1.0 [SE] mIU/ml versus 9.5 +/- 0.5; P < 0.05), as was the LH:testosterone ratio (2.45 +/- 0.20 versus 1.74 +/- 0.20; P < 0.02). The combination of slightly elevated serum LH levels with unchanged basal serum levels of gonadal steroids suggests that men with idiopathic oligospermia have a mild, compensated Leydig cell defect. The mildness of this defect is reflected by the ability of maximal gonadotropic stimulation to increase androgen output.

• Authors: A R Glass, R A Vigersky
• Journal: Fertility and sterility (Fertil Steril) Vol. 34 Issue 2 Pg. 144-8 (Aug 1980) ISSN: 0015-0282 [Print] United States
• PMID: 6773819 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Chorionic Gonadotropin
• Hydroxyprogesterones
• Testosterone
• Estradiol
• Prolactin
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone

Topics

• Adult
• Chorionic Gonadotropin (pharmacology)
• Estradiol (blood)
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (blood)
• Humans
• Hydroxyprogesterones (blood)
• Leydig Cells (physiopathology)
• Male
• Oligospermia (physiopathology)
• Prolactin (blood)
• Testosterone (blood)
• Time Factors