Effect of non-aromatizable androgens on testicular and accessory gland functions in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta).

Adult male rhesus monkeys were injected intramuscularly 100 micrograms, 1000 micrograms 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol or 100 micrograms dihydrotestosterone (DHT) per day for 70 days. A decrease in seminiferous tubular diameter was seen in treated animals. Androstanediol treatment disrupted spermatogenesis in most tubules. Sperm motility decreased within 40 days and by Day 70 non-motile spermatozoa were seen in 2 animals of each group treated with androstanediol. DHT treatment also decreased sperm motility progressively from Day 40. Both androgens caused retention of the cytoplasmic droplet and an increase in coiling of the tail of spermatozoa. Seminal fructose was decreased by Day 40 (1000 micrograms androstanediol) or Day 70 (100 micrograms androstanediol and 100 micrograms DHT). Seminal glycerophosphocholine (GPC) and acid phosphatase levels decreased by Day 70 in all treatment groups. Both steroids decreased circulating concentrations of testosterone without altering FSH or oestradiol values.