Exogenous Androgens: Their Potential for Reversible Contraception

Abstract

Over the past half-century, it has become apparent that androgens are necessary to the spermatogenic process (Hansson et al., 1976). This tenet is based principally on the findings that complete spermatogenesis can be maintained in the hypophysectomized adult animal by the administration of an exogenous androgen although testicular weight may be subnormal (Walsh et al., 1934; Clermont and Harvey, 1967; Ahmad et al., 1975; Chowdhury and Steinberger, 1975). Since serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are either very low or undetectable in this setting, the intra-testicular concentration of androgen is presumably a critical factor. In normal animals, this essential hormone is secreted by Leydig cells under stimulation of luteinizing hormone (LH) (Hansson et al., 1976). Administration of a potent androgen to a normal animal will suppress LH and secondarily impair Leydig cell secretion of testosterone.