Assessment of pituitary response to nasal application of synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone in men.

An attempt has been made to assess the pituitary response to the nasal application of synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in three oligospermic and two azoospermic men. Intranasal administration of 3 mg of GnRH in aqueous or natural plant gum solution produced a pituitary response pattern similar to that produced by the intramuscular injection of 100 microng, with respect to plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). No technical difficulties or side effects were observed. GnRH in a nasal drop preparation seems to be effective in releasing LH and FSH in men. These findings may have a practical application in those cases where long-term therapy with the hormone is indicated.