Use of norethisterone and estradiol in mini doses as a contraceptive in the male. Efficacy studies in the adult male bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata).

Abstract

Administration of norethisterone (NET) or NET + estradiol benzoate using an Alzet minipump or as once-a-month intramuscular injection of their depot forms, NET-enanthate (NET-EN) and estradiol valerate (E-val), resulted in azoospermia in all monkeys (n = 13) within 60 to 150 days of treatment. Although addition of depot form of testosterone (T, 20 mg/month) to the regimen restored the behavioral response typical of a normal male, it did not reverse the azoospermic state. Serum T (heightened nocturnal) levels were significantly reduced (> 85%, p < 0.001) in all the treated groups. Evidence for blockade in spermatogenesis following treatment was obtained by DNA flow cytometry. Following withdrawal of treatment, the T level was restored to normalcy within 15 days but 120 days more were required for the animals to exhibit normal sperm counts. In conclusion, the efficacy of once-a-month injection of relatively low doses of NET-EN + E-Val to bring about azoospermia in monkeys, in a relatively short time, has been demonstrated. As the results are uniform and reproducible, it appears desirable that this steroid regimen be tested in man for its contraceptive efficacy.

• Authors: G Shetty, H Krishnamurthy, H N Krishnamurthy, S G Ramachandra, N R Moudgal
• Journal: Contraception (Contraception) Vol. 56 Issue 4 Pg. 257-65 (Oct 1997) ISSN: 0010-7824 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9408708 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Contraceptive Agents, Male
• Drug Combinations
• Lipids
• Progesterone Congeners
• Testosterone
• Estradiol
• Norethindrone

Topics

• Animals
• Contraceptive Agents, Male (administration & dosage)
• Drug Combinations
• Estradiol (administration & dosage)
• Flow Cytometry
• Injections, Intramuscular
• Lipids (blood)
• Macaca radiata
• Male
• Norethindrone (administration & dosage)
• Oligospermia
• Progesterone Congeners (administration & dosage)
• Sexual Behavior, Animal (drug effects)
• Sperm Count (drug effects)
• Testis (cytology, drug effects)
• Testosterone (blood)
• Time Factors