ENDOCRINE AND HISTOLOGICAL STUDIES ON OLIGOSPERMIC MEN TREATED WITH HUMAN PITUITARY AND CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN

Abstract

SUMMARY The results of treatment of three oligospermic men for periods of up to 12 months with human pituitary gonadotrophin alone and in combination with human chorionic gonadotrophin (Pregnyl) is described. The addition of exogenous gonadotrophin resulted in a small but significant stimulation of spermatogenesis which was confirmed by quantitative histological assessment of testicular biopsy specimens taken before, during and after treatment. The time taken for a response in the ejaculate appears to be dependent on the initial histological appearance of the testis, in particular the stage of germinal cell arrest. Estimations of plasma testosterone and urinary oestrogen indicate that testicular steroid biosynthesis is stimulated during treatment with gonadotrophin.