This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. To examine age-related changes in testosterone levels, control of testosterone secretion and testosterone metabolism in older rhesus monkeys. Many middle-aged and elderly men are taking testosterone, believing it can restore the vitality of youth, improve mood and memory and increase sexual drive. Approximately 1.75 million prescriptions were written in 2002. Staff at the National Institute on Aging expressed concern that the testosterone boom was a public health issue and wanted a large clinical trial. Those at the National Cancer Institute were concerned about giving healthy men testosterone in large clinical studies when it might fuel the growth of prostate cancer. But all agreed that research needed to be done. Limited studies demonstrate that many symptoms of aging (weakness, diminished sex drive, osteoporosis and sense of malaise) occur in young men who do not make testosterone. These symptoms are reversible by testosterone therapy. Also, testosterone levels gradually decline as men grow older. However, there are limited published studies of this nature and they have been conducted with relatively small numbers of subjects. We are examining in more detail age-related changes in testosterone levels, control of testosterone secretion and testosterone metabolism, using older rhesus monkeys as an animal model. This project ended successfully this year. This research used WNPRC Animal Services and Aging Resources.
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