Follicle-stimulating Hormone and Human Spermatogenesis

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Abstract

The role of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the control of spermatogenesis is not well established in any species, including man. We studied the effect of an experimentally-induced, selective FSH deficiency on sperm production in normal men. After a 3-mo control period, five normal men received testosterone enanthate (T) 200 mg i. m. weekly to suppress luteinizing hormone (LH) and FSH, until three successive sperm counts revealed azoospermia or severe oligospermia (sperm counts <3 million/ml). Then, while continuing T, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) 5,000 IU i. m. three times weekly was administered simultaneously to replace LH activity, leaving FSH activity suppressed. The effect of the selective FSH deficiency produced by hCG plus T administration on sperm production was determined.

Authors

William J. Bremner, Alvin M. Matsumoto, Allen M. Sussman, C. Alvin Paulsen