Serum profile of gonadotropins and ovarian steroids in women during six months of treatment with Org 485-50

Sustained gonadal suppression in fertile women with the LHRH agonist buserelin

Nine fertile women were treated with the luteinizing- hormone-releasing hormone agonist buserelin (seven women received 800 micrograms, two women 1200 micrograms intranasally for up to 24 weeks). Both doses produced sustained suppression of ovarian function, accompanied by hot flushes. In five women chemical castration was established within 1 to 5 weeks, whereas in the other four volunteers transient peaks of serum oestradiol occurred between the 6th and 19th weeks. Thereafter low postmenopausal oestradiol levels persisted. Chemical castration was confirmed by hormonal parameters and endometrial biopsies (inactive endometrium). After cessation of treatment normal cyclical function occurred immediately. This reversible chemical castration may be useful for new therapeutical approaches in sexual hormone dependent diseases (endometriosis, precocious puberty, metastatic breast cancer).

Influence of the LH-RH analogue buserelin on cyclic ovarian function and on endometrium. A new approach to fertility control?

The long-acting stimulatory luteinizing hormone - releasing hormone analogue D-Ser(TBU)6-EA10-LH-RH (buserelin) was administered intranasally once daily in a dose of 400 mcg to 24 normally ovulating women and to 4 women with pre-existing endocrine dysregulation. Ovulation was inhibited in 136 out of 156 treatment months. In 20 treatment months, progesterone values temporarily increased indicating luteinization of follicles or ovulation with defective corpus luteum function. Estradiol secretion showed a tendency to lower values as treatment progressed but individually indicated follicle maturation until the end of the observed medication period. Bleeding pattern ranged from menses-like bleeding in regular as well as irregular intervals to amenorrhea. The morphological findings of 31 endometrial biopsies of 20 volunteers ranged from atrophy (n = 4) to proliferation (n = 25) with early signs of hyperplasia as well as early secretory transformation (n = 2). The morphological alterations indicate that unopposed estrogen stimulation of the endometrium is the main problem of long-term contraception with the dose schedule of buserelin used.

Cyproterone acetate, testosterone, LH, FSH, and prolactin levels in plasma after intramuscular application of cyproterone acetate in patients with prostatic cancer

Five patients with prostatic carcinoma (stages T3N0M0) were injected intramuscularly with 300 mg of cyproterone acetate (CPA) (Androcur-Depot) at weekly intervals. The concentrations of CPA, testosterone, LH, FSH, and prolactin in plasma after the first, third, and fifth injection were measured by specific radioimmunoassays. After five injections of Androcur-Depot, CPA levels were slightly higher than in previous determinations, suggesting that a balance between active substance release from the depot and excretion could be achieved after eight to twelve injections, with only slightly higher levels of active substance attained. Testosterone levels clearly were reduced after the first injection of CPA, but the lowest values were registered only after three injections. Plasma concentrations of FSH and LH were slightly diminished, whereas the prolactin level increased after CPA therapy.