Testis function in rhesus monkeys treated with a contraceptive steroid formulation
Ewing, L.L.; Cochran, R.C.; Adams, R.J.; Darney, K.J.; Berry, S.J.; Bordy, M.J.; Desjardins, C.
Contraception 27(4): 347-362
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0010-7824 PMID: 6406141 DOI: 10.1016/s0010-7824(83)80015-8Document Number: 562861
Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were treated with testosterone (100 micrograms/kg/day) plus estradiol (0.5 micrograms/kg/day) via subcutaneous polydimethylsiloxane (PDS;Silastic) implants for thirteen months. This steroid regimen inhibited LH but not FSH secretion by the anterior pituitary, inhibited testicular testosterone and estradiol production and drastically reduced the numbers of vigorously motile spermatozoa in the ejacula. Importantly, these effects on testis function were achieved at dosages of testosterone and estradiol which approximate the amount of these two steroids produced daily in normal rhesus males.