Testicular and Adrenal Steroid Profiles During PRL Suppression by Lisuride in Men

¹ Division de Biochimie Clinique, C. H. U. V., Lausanne, Switzerland
² Department of Clinical Neuropsychopharmacology, Schering AG, Berlin, Germany

Lisuride hydrogen maleate is known to reduce serum prolactin (PRL) in rodents and humans. The authors have examined the effects of short-term lisuride administration on testicular and adrenal functions in normal male volunteers as reflected by plasma hormone levels in basal and stimulated conditions. After five days of treatment, a decrease in PRL levels was observed, whereas no substantial changes occurred in the levels of testosterone, 17 OH progesterone (17 OHP), androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and 17 -estradiol (estradiol). The response to hCG (2000 IU on two consecutive days) in terms of testosterone, 17 OHP, estradiol, and androstenedione levels was within the normal range, even though the testicular response of estradiol was enhanced and that of testosterone reduced, compared to controls. Finally, shortterm treatment with lisuride had no detectable effects on the peripheral levels of adrenal secretions. The present findings indicate that lisuride does not interfere with adrenal or testicular function in men and, therefore, may be suitable for therapeutic use as a PRL-suppressing agent in hyperprolactinemic men.

     Key words: lisuride, testis, hCG, steroids, prolactin

Submitted on March 17, 1980
Revised on June 26, 1980
Accepted on July 1, 1980