Chronic human chorionic gonadotropin administration in normal men: evidence that follicle-stimulating hormone is necessary for the maintenance of quantitatively normal spermatogenesis in man.

Matsumoto AM, Karpas AE, Bremner WJ

The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism1 Jun 1986Cited by 105 (Europe PMC)

PMID3084535DOI10.1210/jcem-62-6-1184PepBankPUB-03084535

Publisher page PubMedAsk about this study

Summary

The text of this summary is not shown here, because the article license does not allow reuse. Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)

Text rights: Publisher copyright. Results still quote short attributed sentences.

Results from this study13

5 results from studies that gave the peptide. 5 results from people.

01HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In normal men, hCG reduced mean sperm concentration from 88 to 22 million/ml compared with the control period.
In plain wordsIn normal men, hCG reduced sperm concentration compared with the control period.
Peptide
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Outcome
DecreaseSperm concentration
Study
n = 8
Comparator
Control period
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Studied dose
5000 IU twice weekly · intramuscular · 7 monthsAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
Mean sperm concentration, control period
88 million/ml
8 men, control (SEM 24)
Mean sperm concentration, last 4 months of hCG
22 million/ml
8 men on hCG alone (SEM 7)
P value
< 0.001 p value
Mean sperm concentration during the last 4 months of hCG treatment versus control
Source sentences
Summary
hCG administration alone resulted in partial suppression of the mean sperm concentration from 88 +/- 24 (+/-SEM) million/ml during the control period to 22 +/- 7 million/ml during the last 4 months of hCG treatment (P less than 0.001 compared to control values).
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
After a 3-month control period, eight normal men (aged 30-39 yr) received 5000 IU hCG, im, twice weekly for 7 months.
Report a problemFND-0308453501
02HumanNon-randomized trialMechanism
In normal men, serum FSH was undetectable during hCG alone treatment.
In plain wordsIn normal men, blood FSH was undetectable during hCG treatment alone.
Peptide
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Outcome
DecreaseSerum FSH
Study
n = 8
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Studied dose
5000 IU twice weekly · intramuscular · 7 monthsAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
Serum FSH
< 25 ng/ml
undetectable, during hCG alone
Source sentences
Summary
During both the hCG alone and hCG plus T periods, serum FSH levels were undetectable (less than 25 ng/ml), and urinary FSH levels were comparable to those in prepubertal children and hypogonadotropic hypogonadal adults.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
After a 3-month control period, eight normal men (aged 30-39 yr) received 5000 IU hCG, im, twice weekly for 7 months.
Report a problemFND-0308453506
03HumanNon-randomized trialMechanism
In normal men receiving hCG alone, urinary FSH resembled levels in prepubertal children and hypogonadotropic hypogonadal adults.
In plain wordsUrinary FSH in men receiving hCG alone resembled levels in prepubertal children and adults with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
Peptide
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Outcome
No significant changeUrinary FSH
Study
n = 8
Comparator
Prepubertal children and hypogonadotropic hypogonadal adults
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Studied dose
5000 IU twice weekly · intramuscular · 7 monthsAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
During both the hCG alone and hCG plus T periods, serum FSH levels were undetectable (less than 25 ng/ml), and urinary FSH levels were comparable to those in prepubertal children and hypogonadotropic hypogonadal adults.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
After a 3-month control period, eight normal men (aged 30-39 yr) received 5000 IU hCG, im, twice weekly for 7 months.
Report a problemFND-0308453508
04HumanNon-randomized trialMechanism
In four normal men, serum FSH remained undetectable during the second hCG-only period.
In plain wordsIn four normal men, blood FSH remained undetectable during the second hCG-only period.
Peptide
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Outcome
DecreaseSerum FSH during second hCG period
Study
n = 4
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Studied dose
5000 IU twice weekly · intramuscular · 3 monthsAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
Serum FSH
< 25 ng/ml
undetectable, second hCG-alone period, 4 men
Source sentences
Summary
During the second period of hCG administration alone, serum FSH levels were undetectable (less than 25 ng/ml), and sperm concentrations were suppressed (34 +/- 13 million/ml) compared to the control values for these four men (125 +/- 39 million/ml; P less than 0.001).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Immediately after the period of hCG plus T administration, T was stopped in four men who continued to receive hCG alone (5000 IU, im, twice weekly) for 3 months.
Summary · context
After a 3-month control period, eight normal men (aged 30-39 yr) received 5000 IU hCG, im, twice weekly for 7 months.
Report a problemFND-0308453510
05HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In four normal men, sperm concentration during the second hCG-only period was 34 million/ml versus 125 million/ml during control.
In plain wordsIn four normal men, sperm concentration was lower during the second hCG-only period than during control.
Peptide
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Outcome
DecreaseSperm concentration during second hCG period
Study
n = 4
Comparator
Control period
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Studied dose
5000 IU twice weekly · intramuscular · 3 monthsAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
Sperm concentration, second hCG-alone period
34 million/ml
4 men (SEM 13)
Sperm concentration, control
125 million/ml
same 4 men (SEM 39)
P value
< 0.001 p value
Sperm concentration during the second hCG-alone period versus control in the same four men
Source sentences
Summary
During the second period of hCG administration alone, serum FSH levels were undetectable (less than 25 ng/ml), and sperm concentrations were suppressed (34 +/- 13 million/ml) compared to the control values for these four men (125 +/- 39 million/ml; P less than 0.001).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Immediately after the period of hCG plus T administration, T was stopped in four men who continued to receive hCG alone (5000 IU, im, twice weekly) for 3 months.
Summary · context
After a 3-month control period, eight normal men (aged 30-39 yr) received 5000 IU hCG, im, twice weekly for 7 months.
Report a problemFND-0308453511

Studies that did not test the peptide alone8

In this study, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. These results are not evidence about taking hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).

06HumanNot a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) aloneNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In normal men, sperm counts remained equally suppressed after testosterone was added to hCG.
In plain wordsIn normal men, sperm counts remained equally suppressed after testosterone was added to hCG.
Peptide
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Outcome
No significant changeSperm count after testosterone addition
Study
n = 8
Comparator
hCG alone
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Source sentences
Summary
With the addition of T to hCG, sperm counts remained suppressed to the same degree.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
After a 3-month control period, eight normal men (aged 30-39 yr) received 5000 IU hCG, im, twice weekly for 7 months.
In this study, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
Report a problemFND-0308453502
07HumanNot a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) aloneNon-randomized trialSafety outcome
One normal man became azoospermic during hCG plus testosterone treatment.
In plain wordsOne normal man had no sperm during hCG plus testosterone treatment.
Peptide
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Outcome
Not applicableAzoospermia
Study
n = 8
Outcome group
Adverse events · Reproductive and sexual health
Measurements
Men who became azoospermic
1 men
during hCG plus testosterone
Source sentences
Summary
Except for one man who became azoospermic while receiving hCG plus T, sperm motilities and morphologies remained normal in all subjects throughout the entire study.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
After a 3-month control period, eight normal men (aged 30-39 yr) received 5000 IU hCG, im, twice weekly for 7 months.
In this study, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
Report a problemFND-0308453503
08HumanNot a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) aloneNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In normal men, sperm motility remained normal throughout hCG alone and hCG plus testosterone treatment, except for one azoospermic man.
In plain wordsIn normal men, sperm movement remained normal during hCG alone and hCG plus testosterone, except for one man with no sperm.
Peptide
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Outcome
No significant changeSperm motility
Study
n = 8
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Source sentences
Summary
Except for one man who became azoospermic while receiving hCG plus T, sperm motilities and morphologies remained normal in all subjects throughout the entire study.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
After a 3-month control period, eight normal men (aged 30-39 yr) received 5000 IU hCG, im, twice weekly for 7 months.
In this study, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
Report a problemFND-0308453504
09HumanNot a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) aloneNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In normal men, sperm morphology remained normal throughout hCG alone and hCG plus testosterone treatment, except for one azoospermic man.
In plain wordsIn normal men, sperm shape remained normal during hCG alone and hCG plus testosterone, except for one man with no sperm.
Peptide
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Outcome
No significant changeSperm morphology
Study
n = 8
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Source sentences
Summary
Except for one man who became azoospermic while receiving hCG plus T, sperm motilities and morphologies remained normal in all subjects throughout the entire study.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
After a 3-month control period, eight normal men (aged 30-39 yr) received 5000 IU hCG, im, twice weekly for 7 months.
In this study, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
Report a problemFND-0308453505
10HumanNot a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) aloneNon-randomized trialMechanism
In normal men, serum FSH was undetectable during hCG plus testosterone treatment.
In plain wordsIn normal men, blood FSH was undetectable during hCG plus testosterone treatment.
Peptide
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Outcome
DecreaseSerum FSH during combination
Study
n = 8
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Measurements
Serum FSH
< 25 ng/ml
undetectable, during hCG plus testosterone
Source sentences
Summary
During both the hCG alone and hCG plus T periods, serum FSH levels were undetectable (less than 25 ng/ml), and urinary FSH levels were comparable to those in prepubertal children and hypogonadotropic hypogonadal adults.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
After a 3-month control period, eight normal men (aged 30-39 yr) received 5000 IU hCG, im, twice weekly for 7 months.
In this study, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
Report a problemFND-0308453507
11HumanNot a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) aloneNon-randomized trialMechanism
In normal men receiving hCG plus testosterone, urinary FSH resembled levels in prepubertal children and hypogonadotropic hypogonadal adults.
In plain wordsUrinary FSH during hCG plus testosterone resembled levels in prepubertal children and adults with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
Peptide
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Outcome
No significant changeUrinary FSH during combination
Study
n = 8
Comparator
Prepubertal children and hypogonadotropic hypogonadal adults
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Source sentences
Summary
During both the hCG alone and hCG plus T periods, serum FSH levels were undetectable (less than 25 ng/ml), and urinary FSH levels were comparable to those in prepubertal children and hypogonadotropic hypogonadal adults.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
After a 3-month control period, eight normal men (aged 30-39 yr) received 5000 IU hCG, im, twice weekly for 7 months.
In this study, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
Report a problemFND-0308453509
12HumanNot a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) aloneNon-randomized trialMechanism
In normal men, adding FSH activity to hCG increased serum FSH to 213 ng/ml.
In plain wordsIn normal men, adding FSH activity to hCG increased blood FSH compared with hCG alone.
Peptide
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Outcome
IncreaseSerum FSH after FSH replacement
Study
n = 4
Comparator
hCG alone
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Measurements
Serum FSH after adding FSH activity to hCG
213 ng/ml
4 men (SEM 72)
Serum FSH during preceding hCG-alone period
< 25 ng/ml
Undetectable during the second hCG-alone period in the same four men
Source sentences
Summary
With the addition of FSH to hCG, FSH levels increased (213 +/- 72 ng/ml) and sperm concentrations rose significantly, reaching a mean of 103 +/- 30 million/ml (P less than 0.03 compared to hCG alone).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Summary
During the second period of hCG administration alone, serum FSH levels were undetectable (less than 25 ng/ml), and sperm concentrations were suppressed (34 +/- 13 million/ml) compared to the control values for these four men (125 +/- 39 million/ml; P less than 0.001).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Then, while continuing the same dosage of hCG, these men received 100 IU human FSH, sc, daily (n = 2) or 75 IU human menopausal gonadotropin, sc, daily (n = 2) for 5-8 months.
Summary · context
After a 3-month control period, eight normal men (aged 30-39 yr) received 5000 IU hCG, im, twice weekly for 7 months.
In this study, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
Report a problemFND-0308453512
13HumanNot a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) aloneNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In normal men, adding FSH activity to hCG increased sperm concentration to 103 million/ml compared with hCG alone.
In plain wordsIn normal men, adding FSH activity to hCG increased sperm concentration compared with hCG alone.
Peptide
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Outcome
IncreaseSperm concentration after FSH replacement
Study
n = 4
Comparator
hCG alone
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Measurements
Sperm concentration after adding FSH activity to hCG
103 million/ml
4 men (SEM 30)
P value
< 0.03 p value
Sperm concentration after adding FSH to hCG versus hCG alone
Sperm concentration during preceding hCG-alone period
34 million/ml
Second hCG-alone period in the same four men (SEM 13)
Source sentences
Summary
With the addition of FSH to hCG, FSH levels increased (213 +/- 72 ng/ml) and sperm concentrations rose significantly, reaching a mean of 103 +/- 30 million/ml (P less than 0.03 compared to hCG alone).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Summary
During the second period of hCG administration alone, serum FSH levels were undetectable (less than 25 ng/ml), and sperm concentrations were suppressed (34 +/- 13 million/ml) compared to the control values for these four men (125 +/- 39 million/ml; P less than 0.001).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Then, while continuing the same dosage of hCG, these men received 100 IU human FSH, sc, daily (n = 2) or 75 IU human menopausal gonadotropin, sc, daily (n = 2) for 5-8 months.
Summary · context
After a 3-month control period, eight normal men (aged 30-39 yr) received 5000 IU hCG, im, twice weekly for 7 months.
In this study, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
Report a problemFND-0308453513

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

Version 2Current
14 Oct 2026, 05:02 UTC
Study results updated
Version 1
14 Oct 2026, 01:46 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

Subjects

Terms as the source lists them.

Publication types

MeSH terms

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