[Effect of blockade of opiate receptors by naloxone on lutropin (LH), follitropin (FSH) and testosterone secretion in patients after kidney transplantation].

The influence of opioid receptors blockade by naloxone on lutropin (LH), follitropin (FSH) and testosterone secretion induced by LH-RH was assessed in 12 male kidney transplant patients with stable graft function (KTP) treated by cyclosporine A and prednisone and in 15 healthy subjects. In KTP normal plasma levels of LH in spite of significantly reduced testosteronemia and a reduced response of LH to LH-RH was observed. After blockade of opioid receptors by naloxone normalization of the response of LH secretion to LH-RH was found and a higher increase of the plasma testosterone level was observed in KTP than in healthy subjects. Results obtained in this study suggest abnormal functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary--gonadal axis in KTP and participation of opioid receptors in its pathogenesis.