Influence of Testosterone, Estradiol-17β and Dihydrotestosterone on Circulating LH and FSH in Castrate Male Guinea Pigs

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Abstract
The influence of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, estradiol-17.beta. or combinations of these steroids on gonadotropin regulation was examined in castrate male guinea pigs. Physiological replacement therapy with testosterone prevented the postcastration rise in LH. Treatment with dihydrotestosterone and the combination of estradiol-17.beta. plus testosterone was also effective. In contrast, these treatments reduced but did not prevent the postcastration rise of FSH. The negative feedback effects of these steroid treatments was not altered when 3, 6 or more than 8 wk elapsed between castration and the initiation of steroid replacement therapy. In the guinea pig testosterone and dihydrotestosterone apparently are effective regulators of LH but other hormones may be important in the regulation of FSH.