TESTICULAR ENDOCRINE FUNCTION IN PARAPLEGIC MEN

The responses of FSH and LH to the injection of LHRH were studied in fifteen paraplegic men and ten normal controls. The basal FSH levels in the paraplegic men were elevated in eight cases, basal LH being raised in nine cases. The responses of FSH were exaggerated in fourteen patients, and LH responses were exaggerated in nine patients. Only one patient was normal in respect of both hormones. Subnormal plasma testosterone was found in three patients. This depressed testicular function could not be explained as being due to spread of urinary tract infection and a direct neurological effect is the probable explanation. Copyright © 1979, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved