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Modification of the gonadotropic control mechanism of the hypothalamic-hypophyseal al. -1971).

To clarify the significance of clomiphene test in spermatogenic disorders, it was performed on three groups of subjects: 10 with normozoospermia, 29 with oligozoospermia, and 11 with azoospermia. Two basal blood samples were drawn five days apart; prolactin, FSH, LH, estradiol, testosterone, androstenedione and sex-hormone-binding globulin were determined. 100 mg of clomiphene per day were administered for eleven consecutive days; another sample was drawn on the eleventh day and all the basal parameters, except prolactin, were determined. It may be concluded from the results: a) All the parameters studied increased significantly after clomiphene; and b) Testosterone levels obtained after clomiphene, as well as the increases in this hormone during the test and the ratio delta T/delta LH, were significantly lower in the oligozoospermic group. This finding suggests a decrease in the testicular androgenic function of this group.

In order to evaluate the possible role of sex steroids in breast cancer and their relation to the presence of oestradiol receptors (ER), ER were quantified in 112 breast adenocarcinomas and 14 benign tumours. The sex hormones of the patients were determined in plasma: oestradiol (E2), progesterone, testosterone, androstenedione, as well as SHBG and gonadotrophins. The ER were evaluated in cytosolic and nuclear fractions. Steroids and gonadotrophins were determined by RIA. SHBG was determined by following a procedure of saturation with tritiated dihydrostestosterone. The mean levels of E2 in postmenopausal women with breast cancer was found to be significantly higher than of the control group. However, no significant variations for the rest of the steroids were seen among the patients with breast cancer and the control group or benign tumour. Nor was any relation found between the presence of ER and the hormonal steroids studied or SHBG. It is suggested that the possible influence of the sex steroids in the etiopathogenesis of breast cancer might be due to the greater production accompanied by a parallel metabolic clearance that would maintain their plasma levels.