- testosterone
- The most potent naturally occurring androgen, formed in greatest quantities by the interstitial cells of the testes, and possibly secreted also by the ovary and adrenal cortex; may be produced in nonglandular tissues from precursors such as androstenedione; used in the treatment of hypogonadism, cryptorchism, certain carcinomas, and menorrhagia.- t. cypionate a preparation with the same actions and uses as t. propionate, but with a prolonged duration of action.- t. enanthate a preparation with the same actions and uses as t., but with a prolonged duration of action, being administered in oil.- t. phenylpropionate an alternate preparation for the propionate.- t. propionate a preparation that has an action similar to but more pronounced and prolonged than that of t.; used in the treatment of undescended testes and in menorrhagia.
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tes·tos·ter·one te-'stäs-tə-.rōn n a male hormone that is a crystalline hydroxy steroid ketone C19H28O2 produced primarily by the testes or made synthetically and that is the main androgen responsible for inducing and maintaining male secondary sex characteristics* * *
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tes·tos·te·rone (tes-tosґtə-rōn) the major androgenic hormone produced by the interstitial cells (Leydig cells) of the testes in response to stimulation by the luteinizing hormone of the adenohypophysis; it regulates gonadotropic secretion and wolffian duct differentiation (formation of the epididymis, vas deferens, and seminal vesicle), and stimulates skeletal muscle. It is also responsible for other male characteristics and spermatogenesis after its conversion to dihydrotestosterone (q.v.) by 5α-reductase in peripheral tissue. In addition, testosterone possesses protein anabolic properties, manifested by retention of nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, and is important in maintaining muscle mass and bone tissue in the adult male. It is also converted by aromatization to estradiol in peripheral tissue. See also anabolic-androgenic steroids, under steroid. [USP] the same principle prepared synthetically from cholesterol or isolated from bull testes, used as the base or various esters in treating primary and secondary male hypogonadism and delayed male puberty, and in palliation of metastatic breast carcinoma in postmenopausal women; its derivatives may be used for their anabolic properties. Administered by subcutaneous implantation, transdermal delivery, or intramuscular injection.
Medical dictionary. 2011.
