CUTANEOUS VASCULAR AND PIGMENTARY CHANGES IN CASTRATE AND EUNUCHOID MEN

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Abstract
The skin of 4 human [male] castrates, and 5 individuals with measured hypogonadism was examined with the Hardy recording spectrophotometer. The skin of the castrates was markedly deficient in Hb, with an abnormal preponderance of the reduced form of the pigment. Carotene was increased above the normal. Melanin was slightly lower than the expected amt. Intramusc. inj. of testosterone propionate in oil gave a striking increase in the quantity and oxygenation of the Hb within the skin. This action started within 1 hr., and was maximal in 2-3 hrs. In the more venous regions of the integument, treatment resulted in a diminution of the Hb, but with a similar increase in its oxygenaton. The quantity of carotene was slowly lessened, but with a temporary increase in the palms and soles. Melanin was increased slightly after treatment, while the formation of melanoid, a related pigment, was stimulated to an unusual degree. Ultraviolet irradiation, both with and without androgenic treatment, likewise gave but little increase in melanin, but produced considerable melanoid. The skin of the eunuchoid patients showed variable resemblances to that of the castrates. Androgens had a profound influence on the vascularity and pigmentation of the entire human skin.