Dermovascular Actions of Certain Steroid Hormones in Castrate, Eunuchoid and Normal Men1

Abstract

Vascular studies were made on 2 castrated eunuchoid and 2 normal [male][male]. Thresholds for vasodilatation (resistant hyperemia and eserine by iontophoresis), vasoconstriction to graded mechanical stimulation and arteriolar tone adjustments, capillary fragility, and susceptibility of cutaneous small vessels to O2-lack were measured before and at intervals after inj. of testosterone propionate, estradiol propionate, progesterone, desoxycor-ticosterone and peanut oil. Testosterone and progesterone decreased the threshold for capillary contraction and susceptibility to O2-lack. Differences in action of estradiol and androgens were noted. The degree of hypogonadism affected the sensitivity of the vessels to androgens.