CHANGES OF SERUM CONCENTRATIONS OF TESTOSTERONE, LH AND FSH IN MEN TAKING GOSSYPOL

The serum concentrations of testosterone, LH and FSH in healthy men and in men taking gossypol were determined by radioimmunoassy. Gossypol acetic acid was given orally at a daily dose of 15 mg until infertility appeared, followed by 15 mg on alternate days for 1～79 months. 141 cases were divided intoa control group of 66 cases anda medication group of 75 cases. The medication group was subdivided into 6 sub-groups, according to the various durations of medication. control Results indicated that the serum concentration of testosterone, LH and FSH in the group were 18.6±7.6 nmol/1,9.1±5.2 IU/1 and 7.2±4.1 IU/1 respectively. The serum testosterone and FSH levels in the medication groups, with the exception of the first group (12 months), were significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.01). There were no significant difference between values of serum LH in all Qf the medicated groups and control group (p>0.05). The higher FSH and testosterone levels indicated severe damage of the germinal epithelium without obvious damage of the Leydigs cells in men taken gossypol acetate.