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Trilostane and the normal hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis.
Clinical Endocrinology
|July 1, 1982
Summary
Trilostane therapy in healthy males significantly lowers serum testosterone and increases luteinizing hormone (LH). This indicates trilostane impacts testicular steroidogenesis, requiring monitoring for sexual dysfunction in patients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Trilostane is an inhibitor of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.
- It possesses adrenal blocking activity and is used for conditions like Cushing's syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of trilostane on the normal human hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis.
- To assess trilostane's impact on male reproductive hormone levels.
Main Methods:
- Ten healthy adult males received escalating doses of trilostane, from 240 mg/day up to 960 mg/day weekly.
- Serum hormone levels were measured, with trilostane and metabolites removed via chromatography before assay.
Main Results:
- Trilostane therapy led to a significant decrease in serum testosterone levels (P < 0.01).
- A significant increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) was observed concurrently (P < 0.01).
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and LH responses to LHRH remained unaffected.
Conclusions:
- Trilostane inhibits human testicular 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.
- Male patients undergoing trilostane treatment should be monitored for potential sexual dysfunction and impaired testicular steroidogenesis.