acid-phosphatase and testosterone-enanthate

The increasing use of androgens in clinical trials for developing a safe, effective, and reversible male contraceptive has necessitated a critical evaluation of the effects of their long-term use on the structure and functions of the prostate gland, which is androgen dependent. Combination regimens using progestogens, gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists, or antiandrogens along with androgens are undergoing clinical evaluation as antispermatogenic agents. The majority of these regimens have used testosterone enanthate (TE) as the androgen of choice, but very limited information is available on the side effects of long-term androgen use. The present study is the first report that critically evaluates the effects of long-term use of TE on prostate structure and functions. Adult male rhesus monkeys received intramuscular injections of 50 mg of TE once in 14 days for 33 months. The cranial and caudal lobes of the prostate, which were removed under ketamine anesthesia, were processed for the preparation of semithin sections to evaluate histological changes. The DNA distribution in the cells was studied in single cell suspensions of cranial and caudal lobes of the prostate by using flow cytometry. Changes in the levels of testosterone, estradiol, prostate-specific acid phosphatase (PAP), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in samples collected during the pretreatment period and at the time of removal of the prostate were estimated by using conventional procedures. Control samples were processed simultaneously. The administration of TE for 33 months caused the following changes: 1) significant increase in the weight of both lobes of the prostate, 2) cellular hypertrophy and increase in secretory material in the cells and in the lumen of the acini in the central and peripheral zones of the two lobes of the prostate, 3) cellular hyperplasia indicated by flow cytometric analysis of DNA content, 4) significant increase in the secretion of PAP and levels of estradiol, and 5) a marked increase in fibromuscular stroma in the central and peripheral zones of both the lobes of the prostate. The present study is the first report to provide evidence that long-term androgen treatment has caused hypertrophy of the prostatic epithelial cells, which showed increased secretory activity. The hyperplastic changes indicate a need for the development of new androgens with a better pharmacokinetic profile for use in male contraceptive regimens.

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Animals; Cell Division; Contraceptive Agents, Male; DNA; Estradiol; Flow Cytometry; Injections, Intramuscular; Macaca mulatta; Male; Organ Size; Prostate; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Testosterone

The ability of 40 mg of milled suspension of a new long-acting androgen ester (20 Aet-1) to restore and maintain accessory gland function was compared with that of testosterone enanthate (TE) in castrated adult rhesus monkeys. Castration did not abolish the ejaculatory response since only two animals did not void semen in the postcastration period. A single intramuscular injection of 40 mg of these compounds stimulated accessory gland function at levels lower than in the pretreatment period. 20 Aet-1-induced stimulation of prostatic acid phosphatase activity never exceeded control levels unlike that induced by testosterone enanthate which caused hyperstimulation on day 21 of drug treatment. In terms of support of accessory gland function, 20 Aet-1 would appear to offer hope of being a successful androgen for supplementation therapy in male animals.

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Ejaculation; Fructose; Genitalia, Male; Macaca mulatta; Male; Orchiectomy; Semen; Testosterone

Changes in the biochemical composition of semen, which reflect the accessory sex organ functions, following danazol (100 mg/day; orally) plus testosterone enanthate (50 mg/month; i.m.) administration have been investigated in langur monkey. The levels of acid phosphatase, lactic dehydrogenase and glycerylphosphorylcholine in the semen decreased significantly; whereas fructose, citric acid, magnesium and semen volume did not show any significant changes. A gradual decrease in the motility and count of spermatozoa was observed. At 60 days of treatment all animals became azoospermic. No drug related hematological changes were observed. The combination therapy impaired the epididymal and prostatic functions along with suppression of spermatogenesis.

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Animals; Cercopithecidae; Citrates; Citric Acid; Danazol; Fructose; Glycerylphosphorylcholine; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Magnesium; Male; Pregnadienes; Semen; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility; Testosterone

In a prospective study we investigated the changes of lipoprotein metabolism under therapy with high doses of oestrogens or androgens, applied to stop the excessive growth of very tall girls or boys. Therapy with 2 mg ethinyl oestradiol sulfonate per week for one year in 11 girls resulted in an increase in serum triglycerides, which was reversible after cessation, and a minimal rise of total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol in the phase of adaptation to this treatment. Therapy with 1000 mg testosterone oenanthate per month for one year lead to a fall of triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol. These changes are considered as a regulative phenomenon, without consequences for the application of the high dosage therapy with these steroid hormones in the treatment of excessive growth.

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Alanine Transaminase; Alkaline Phosphatase; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Body Height; Child; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Drug Combinations; Ethinyl Estradiol; Female; Growth Disorders; Humans; Lipoproteins; Liver Function Tests; Male; Norethindrone; Prospective Studies; Puberty; Testosterone; Triglycerides