A brief history of testosterone

J Urol. 2001 Feb;165(2):371-3. doi: 10.1097/00005392-200102000-00004.

Abstract

Purpose: We explore the history of testosterone in the context of medical and scientific developments.

Materials and methods: A review of the scientific and historical literature was conducted.

Results: The origins and effects of testosterone have been recognized throughout the history of humankind. Hunter performed testicular transplantation experiments in 1767 while studying tissue transplantation techniques, and almost a century later Berthold linked the physiological and behavioral changes of castration to a substance secreted by the testes. Brown-Séquard gave birth to the field of organotherapy in 1889 when he announced that his auto-injection of testicular extracts resulted in rejuvenated physical and mental abilities. Steinach and Niehans expanded upon Brown-Séquard's work with rejuvenation treatments involving vasoligation, tissue grafts and cellular injections. In 1935 David et al isolated the critical ingredient in organotherapeutic treatments, testosterone.

Conclusions: The effects of the powerful hormone testosterone continue to inspire research and controversy 65 years later.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Portrait

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Endocrinology / history
  • History, 19th Century
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, Ancient
  • Humans
  • Testosterone / history*
  • Testosterone / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Testosterone