Effect of testosterone propionate on erythropoiesis after experimental orchiectomy

Androgen deficiency anemia occurs most frequently in pharmacogenic suppression of androgen synthesis or with advancing age in men. Bilateral orchiectomy is a surgical modality used in the treatment of metastatic prostate carcinoma. It is accompanied by marked decrease in circulating serum levels of androgens.

The aim of the experimental study was to determine the effect of substitution therapy with testosterone propionate (TP) on some haematological parameters of erythropoiesis in male rats after orchiectomy.

Eighty Wistar male rats with mean weight of 252.3 g were used in the study. The animals were allocated into 2 control orchidectomized groups, 2 sham-operated groups and 4 experimental orchidectomized groups. Testosterone propionate was administered intramuscularly, once a week at a dose of 4 mg and 8 mg per kilogram of body weight for 15 days and for 15 weeks. Erythrocyte count was performed and hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were measured.

In the chronic experiment there was a significant decrease in red blood cells and hemoglobin, and a tendency of decrease in hematocrit after orchiectomy. The effect of TP on erythropoiesis in orchiectomised rats is dose-dependent.

TP replacement therapy in doses of 4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg has a stimulating effect on erythropoiesis only in chronic administration.