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Testicular function in patients with spinal cord damage
Hormone and Metabolic Research = Hormon- Und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones Et Metabolisme
|December 1, 1979
Summary
Men with spinal cord injuries often experience testicular dysfunction. This study found adequate testosterone reserve despite abnormal testicular biopsies in some paraplegic men, indicating primary seminiferous tubular damage.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Urology
Background:
- Traumatic spinal cord damage can lead to varying degrees of testicular dysfunction.
- Paraplegia is associated with potential impacts on male reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gonadotropin response and testosterone levels in men with paraplegia.
- To assess testicular function and reserve in relation to spinal cord injury.
Main Methods:
- Studied 18 paraplegic men, measuring gonadotropin response to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LRH).
- Assessed basal serum testosterone, testosterone reserve using human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), and performed testicular biopsies.
- Analyzed follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) kinetics.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in plasma testosterone levels compared to controls.
- Adequate testosterone reserve was present in all patients, including those with abnormal testicular biopsies.
- Five patients had elevated FSH and abnormal LH kinetics; three had abnormal testicular biopsies.
Conclusions:
- Confirms primary seminiferous tubular damage in some paraplegic patients.
- Testicular testosterone reserve remains adequate despite potential tubular damage.
- No correlation found between lesion level and hormonal parameters.