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 human-kind. 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.
CITATION STYLE
Freeman, E. R., Bloom, D. A., & McGuire, E. J. (2001). A brief history of testosterone. Journal of Urology, 165(2), 371–373. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005392-200102000-00004
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