An experimental investigation published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences by the group of Guillamón, Pásaro and Fernández, together with researchers from the University of A Coruña, has characterized the effects of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist triptorelin on the rat testis.
Triptorelin is a drug used in pubertal suppression and in the blockade of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, among other indications. Precisely understanding its action at the gonadal level is relevant for assessing long-term safety in clinical contexts such as the treatment of gender dysphoria in adolescence.
In this animal model, administration of the agonist produced testicular atrophy that was focal, partial and, most relevantly, reversible after discontinuation of treatment. Despite the reduction in gonadal volume, sperm production was maintained, indicating a suppressive effect that does not permanently compromise spermatogenesis under the conditions studied.
The authors used histological, magnetic resonance and sperm analysis techniques to quantify the changes. The results suggest that the hormonal suppression induced by triptorelin is functionally recoverable, a finding relevant for reproductive counseling and therapeutic planning.
The work provides preclinical evidence on the reversibility of gonadal suppression induced by GnRH agonists, with direct implications for clinical practice in transgender people who initiate puberty-blocking treatments or gender-affirming hormone therapy.
Bibliographic reference
Marcos A, Rodríguez del Cerro MC, Fernández RM, et al. The GnRH Agonist Triptorelin Causes Reversible, Focal, and Partial Testicular Atrophy in Rats, Maintaining Sperm Production. Int J Mol Sci. 2025;26(14):6566.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26146566
PMID: 40724815
Publication consultation: the original reference can be consulted in open access or through the indicated DOI.
