[Hypothalamo-hypophyseo-gonad system function in boys with an abnormal puberty syndrome]

The blood basal testosterone-, LH-, FSH levels, 17-CS and 17-HOCS excretion with the urine, circadian rhythms of testosterone-, LH- and FSH secretion were studied in 21 boys, aged 11 to 13 years, with abnormal puberty, manifesting in pronounced sexual hirsutism in the presence of infantile testicles. Functional tests, using chorionic gonadotropin, clomiphene citrate and spironolactone, were performed, as well. The blood level of testosterone and the change in its circadian secretion were markedly reduced in all the subjects under examination. 17-CS excretion with the urine was within normal, whereas that of 17-HOCS was increased, indicating the intensified adrenal functional activity. The study of the blood gonadotropic hormone basal level and circadian rhythms, as well as of the hypophyseal functional reserves revealed diverse changes in LH and FSH production, i.e. a high activity of the hypophyseal LH function and low FSH secretion were noted. The pathogenetic mechanisms of disturbed maturation in abnormal puberty are discussed.