Changes in the endocrinological environment and testicular volume of male chronic hemodialysis patients were studied. Peripheral blood serum levels of LH, FSH, PRL, testosterone, estradiol, ACTH, ...cortisol and zinc were measured. Testicular volume was maesured by means of an orchidometer as well as by ultrasonography in order to obtain the most objective evaluation possible. There were 15 chronic hemodialysis patients and 23 controls whose serum levels of BUN and Cr were within the normal range. We also evaluated relationships among factors such as duration of hemodialysis, endocrinological environment and testicular volume measured by ultrasonography in chronic hemodialysis patients. Serum levels of LH and FSH were significantly higher and levels of testosterone were significantly lower in chronic hemodialysis patients than in controls. Testicular volume measured using an orchidometer was significantly less in chronic hemodialysis patients than in the controls. Althogh, positive correlations were observed between duration of hemodialysis and serum levels of LH and FSH, an inverse correlation was found between duration of hemodialysis and serum levels of testosterone. A positive correlation, however, was detected between duration of hemodialysis and testicular volume as measured by ultrasonography. Testicular dysfunction was observed clearly in chronic hemodialysis patients, however, testicular volume was increased in relation to the duration of hemodialysis. From these results, it appears that testicular volume increased due to interstitial tissue edema and proliferation of connective tissue.
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