THE ROLE OF THE LIVER AND KIDNEYS IN THE METABOLISM OF INTRAVENOUS TESTOSTERONE BY HUMAN SUBJECTS*†

Abstract

THE authors have previously reported the rryetabolism of intravenous testosterone by experimental animals (1). The present report is concerned with the metabolism of intravenous testosterone in human subjects. Solutions of testosterone in 25 per cent human serum albumin1 were prepared as previously described (1). To reduce bacterial contamination the solutions were prepared twelve hours prior to use and sterile techniques were employed throughout. Bacteriostatic amounts of penicillin and streptomycin were added to the solutions. The maximum concentration of testosterone in 25 per cent human serum albumin obtained in this way was 2.31 mg./ml. These testosterone-albumin solutions were administered to a total of 28 human subjects, both normal and diseased. Prior to administration each subject received a complete physical examination with special attention paid to the cardiovascular system in order to avoid cardiac embarrassment from the rapid administration of 100 ml. of 25 per cent human serum albumin. Pyrogenic reactions which occurred in 2 instances lasted a maximum of one hour with no complications. There were no unfavorable reactions of any nature in the other 26 subjects.