Gonadal Influences on Erythrocyte Reducing Capacity in the Adult Male

Abstract

Summary

The effect of an intravenous infusion of sodium thiosulfate on erythrocyte reducing capacity was determined in 8 male patients with disturbances of gonadal function. A reductivity index was then determined for each patient which is inversely proportional to the erythrocyte reducing capacity. In 5 patients with reduced urinary gonadotrophin titers, the reductivity index was significantly higher than that of normal males. In the 3 remaining patients with normal or elevated urinary gonadotrophins, there was a normal or equivocally elevated reductivity index. These results indicate that hypogonadism in the human male may be associated with a decrease in reducing capacity of the red blood cell. This probably reflects an inadequate activity of reduced glutathione in the erythrocyte.