The effect of steroid therapy on serum trace metal levels in sub-fertile males.

The effect of 96 mg methylprednisolone on trace metals and hormone levels was measured in 13 males with sub-fertility associated with an antibody problem. Over a period of 5 days the serum zinc was significantly reduced (p less than 0.05) as was the serum testosterone (p less than 0.01). By contrast the luteinising hormone levels rose (p less than 0.01) within 3 days of administration of the steroid. The lability of serum zinc to the administration of steroids is further demonstrated by its significant fall (p less than 0.01) after 3 days of therapy. These results suggest an adreno-cortical control of zinc in serum.