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This Article Accepted manuscript (PDF) All Versions of this Article: EJE-07-0876v1 159/2/171    most recent Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Cailleux-Bounacer, A. Articles by Kuhn, J.-M. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Cailleux-Bounacer, A. Articles by Kuhn, J.-M.

Evaluation of endocrine testing of Leydig cell function using extractive and recombinant human chorionic gonadotrophin and different doses of recombinant human LH in normal men.

A Cailleux-Bounacer, INSERM CIC 0204, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
Y Reznik, Endocrinology, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
B Cauliez, Biochemistry, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
J Menard, INSERM CIC 0204, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
C Duparc, INSERM CIC 0204, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
J Kuhn, Endocrinology, Rouen University hospital, Bois Guillaume, 76230, France

Correspondence: Jean-Marc Kuhn, Email: jean-marc.kuhn{at}chu-rouen.fr

Abstract

The functional testing of endocrine testis uses extractive hCG (ehCG). Recombinant human hCG (rhCG), avoiding any contamination, should replace ehCG. Moreover, a functional evaluation with recombinant human LH (rhLH) would be closer to physiology than a pharmacological testing with hCG. The study was conducted in normal men. We firstly evaluated the dose-effect of ehCG on plasma testosterone and estradiol levels, before and after injection of either hCG or vehicle. Then, the responses to the optimal dose of ehCG were compared with those of rhCG. Thirdly, we investigated the dose-effect of rhLH, on steroid hormone secretion. LH, testosterone and estradiol plasma levels were measured after the injection of either rhLH or placebo. ehCG induced dose-dependent increases in plasma estradiol and testosterone levels. They respectively peaked at 24 and 72 hours after injection. The most potent dose of ehCG (5000 IU) induced results similar to those observed with 250 mg (6500 IU) rhCG. By comparison to placebo, rhLH induced a significant and dose-dependent increase in plasma testosterone levels 4 hours after the injection. Peak response of testosterone to rhLH and rhCG were significantly correlated. rhLH did not induce significant change in plasma estradiol level.In conclusion, in normal men, a single intravenous injection of 150 IU rhLH induces a 25% rise in plasma testosterone levels by comparison to placebo. At the moment, the dynamic evaluation using hCG remains the gold standard test to explore the Leydig cell function. The use of 250mg rhCG, avoiding any contamination should be recommended.