Regulation of primate testicular function by GnRH analogues

The potential of GnRH analogues for regulating testicular function is reviewed. Our experiments showed that constant infusion of GnRH agonists effectively suppressed testicular function in monkeys. In men, however, spermatogenesis could not be suppressed to achieve azoospermia uniformly. GnRH antagonists, although at much higher dosages than agonists, caused a more rapid and uniform inhibition of testis function. Spermatogenesis was reversibly disrupted at the spermatogonial level. Concomitant testosterone supplementation, used to maintain libido and potency, attenuated the antitesticular effects of GnRH analogues. In monkeys testosterone appears to stimulate spermatogenesis directly on the testicular level, while evidence has been obtained that in rats testosterone can also stimulate the release and synthesis of FSH under antagonist mediated blockage of pituitary GnRH receptors. When extrapolating to human studies special care has to be exerted in the selection of testosterone substitution regimens. Although the agonistic and antagonistic analogues of GnRH ultimately exert their antireproductive effects via inhibition of gonadotropin secretion the antagonists may have the greater potential for male fertility regulation due to quicker pituitary and testicular suppression.