Circulating gonadotropin pattern in anorchia syndrome. Response to treatment.

Two anorchidic brothers, 16 and 25 years of age were studied; three, 60 min interval samples were drawn on the day -1 followed by a daily sample for five days, and after every seven days. 25 mg of testosterone propionate were administered daily during 24 days and after, 100 mg of testosterone enanthate were administered every 14 days (prolonged action). Testosterone, F S H and L H were quantified by R I A. Testosterone concentrations were 0.75 and 0.52 ng/ml; F S H 22.0 and 24.0 ng/ml and L H, 18.0 and 25.0 ng/ml respectively in A. F. M. and A.F.J. With testosterone propinate, F S H basal levels were decreased in 53 and 55 per cent, and L H, 80 and 86 per cent in A.F.M. and A.F.J. respectively. With prolonged action testosterone, F S H and L H levels were within normal limits after a 7 day administration course. Due to the decrease in F S H and L H initial levels as a result of treatment we concluded that in the anorchia syndrome, receptors in the hypothalamus - pituitary axis maintain their normal ability of feedback mechanism response with testosterone administration and thus prolonged action testosterone is the best substitute.