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Effects of sulpiride induced hyperprolactinemia on testosterone secretion and metabolism before and after HCG in normal men

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Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of sulpiride-induced hyperprolactinemia on testicular functions, as assessed by evaluation of plasma testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 17 beta-estradiol (E2) levels. An HCG test (5000 IU on three consecutive days) was performed in basal conditions and after 12 and 26 days of sulpiride treatment (150 mg daily) in 7 male volunteers, 19 to 32 years of age, as well as in 6 sulpiride-free controls. The results show that after 12 days of induced hyperprolactinemia (mean increase 400%) the T response to HCG was similar to basal test; after 26 days however, the increase of T mean plasma levels was significantly greater. The increase in E2 significantly correlated to that of T during the first and second HCG tests, but no longer after 26 days of hyperprolactinemia, resulting in an imbalance of the E2/T ratio of plasma increments. The response of DHT to HCG was significant in basal conditions and after 26 days of sulpiride and always correlated with T behavior. Data obtained in our experimental conditions suggest that PRL might enhance T secretion. 5 alpha-reductase activity seemed to be partially affected after 12 days of treatment, while a significant inhibition seemed to be exerted on aromatase activity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Unità Endocrina del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Clinica Medica 1, Università di Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56100, Pisa, Italy

    G. P. Bernini, M. Gasperi, F. Franchi & M. Luisi

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  1. G. P. Bernini
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  2. M. Gasperi
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  3. F. Franchi
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  4. M. Luisi
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Bernini, G.P., Gasperi, M., Franchi, F. et al. Effects of sulpiride induced hyperprolactinemia on testosterone secretion and metabolism before and after HCG in normal men. J Endocrinol Invest 6, 287–291 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03347591

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