Testosterone

Testosterone: the principal androgenic hormone, produced by the interstitial (Leydig) cells of the testes in response to stimulation by the luteinizing hormone of the anterior pituitary gland; it is thought to be responsible for regulation of gonadotropic secretion, spermatogenesis, and wolffian duct differentiation. It is also responsible for other male characteristics after its conversion to dihydrotestosterone. In addition, testosterone possesses protein anabolic properties. It is used as replacement therapy for androgen deficiency in males, in the treatment of delayed male puberty or hypogonadism, and in the palliation of certain breast cancers in females; used as the base or various esters (e.g., cypionate, enanthate, propionate).