Effects of Androgens on Oxygen Affinity in Vivo and 2,3-Diphosphoglycerate Content of Red Cells in Peripheral Arterial Insufficiency

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Abstract
The effect of testosterone on the red cell concentration of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) and on the in vivo O2 affinity of venous blood was investigated. Six male patients with peripheral arteriosclerosis received 500 mg testosterone enantas i.m. for 15 wk. Six matched controls received 2 ml NaCl weekly for the same period of time. The Hb concentration, the hematocrit and the 2,3-DPG concentration increased significantly during testosterone treatment, while no significant changes in the O2 affinity could be detected. Testosterone in the doses applied here does not improve O2 unloading from the blood.