The Effects of Testosterone and of Testosterone Propionate on Renal Functions in Man.

The renotropic effects of testosterone and testosterone propionate have been demonstrated repeatedly in mice and rats (1, 2, 3). Whether or not the induced increase in size and weight of the organ is associated with any enhanced functional capacity thus far has not been determined. It has been found, however, that the administration of testosterone propionate to female castrated dogs will augment the maximum tubular secretory capacity but does not influence the creatinine clearance (4). That testosterone propionate is particularly effective as a renotropic agent in rats and dogs which develop compensatory hypertrophy of the remaining kidney after unilateral nephrectomy has been indicated (5). In these animals, the increase in mass of the kidneys was paralleled by an increase in both glomerular filtration rate (inulin clearance) and tubular excretory mass (TmD). The parenteral administration of 25 mgm. of the hormone, daily for 2 weeks, to normal individuals and patients with renal disease failed to increase the renal functions measured. Despite this last observation, it appeared possible that the administration of testosterone or testosterone propionate might increase the functional capacity of the human kidney if given in amounts comparable (on a weight basis) with those used in animal experiments. A clinical study was undertaken, therefore, to ascertain the effects of large amounts of these steroids on human renal function. The results of that study form the basis of the present report.