EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM HIGH-DOSE TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE ADMINISTRATION ON MEDIUM MOLECULAR-WEIGHT PROTEINS OF HUMAN SEMINAL PLASMA

Effects of short-term high-dose testosterone propionate treatment on medium molecular-weight proteins (lactoferrin, albumin, prostatic acid phosphatase, prostate specific antigen) and on zinc and fructose levels were investigated in the seminal plasma of seven normal volunteers. A significant reduction in levels of prostatic-acid phosphatase, zinc and, to a lesser degree, prostate-specific antigen, lactoferrin and fructose was observed on the 14 th day of androgen treatment, concomitantly with the maximal increase in free androgen-circulating levels. The data obtained suggest that testosterone administration may induce a reduction in the sex accessory-gland secretion. Indeed, this effect tends to disappear with withdrawal of hormone treatment. Therefore, the authors suggest a close follow-up of prostatic and vesicular function during the longterm high-dose testosterone intake, used frequently as anabolic treatment by athletes and body builders.