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Combining Behavioral Endocrinology and Experimental Economics: Testosterone and Social Decision Making
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The effect of pharmacokinetically guided acute intravenous testosterone administration on electrocardiographic and

C M White1, M J Ferraro-Borgida, N M Moyna

  • 1Nuclear Cardiology and Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Hartford Hospital Division of Cardiology, CT 06102-5037, USA.

Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|October 12, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Intravenous testosterone did not significantly alter blood pressure or electrocardiogram (ECG) variables in older men, even at superphysiologic concentrations. This study investigated the cardiovascular effects of testosterone infusions in men.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Previous research indicates intravenous testosterone dilates coronary arteries and improves exercise capacity.
  • However, the specific hemodynamic and electrocardiographic (ECG) effects of testosterone infusions remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the hemodynamic and ECG effects of intravenous testosterone administration.
  • To compare these effects at both physiologic and superphysiologic serum concentrations.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 20 older men (mean age 70.6 years).
  • Participants received individualized testosterone infusions (bolus and continuous) to achieve 2x (physiologic) or 6x (superphysiologic) baseline serum testosterone levels, or a placebo.
  • Blood pressure and 12-lead ECGs were recorded before and during infusions.

Main Results:

  • The testosterone regimens successfully increased serum testosterone concentrations as intended (physiologic: 2.39x; superphysiologic: 6.22x).
  • No significant changes in systolic or diastolic blood pressure were observed across the groups.
  • Key ECG intervals (PR, QRS, QT, QTc, RR) remained unchanged compared to baseline and between treatment groups.

Conclusions:

  • Intravenous testosterone administration, at doses achieving both physiologic and superphysiologic serum concentrations, does not significantly impact blood pressure or ECG variables in older men.
  • These findings suggest a lack of acute cardiovascular electrical or pressure effects from intravenous testosterone in this population.

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