Men who take large doses of testosterone-like androgenic steroids for long periods are sterile in the reproductive sense of the word. What is the explanation for this finding?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because high levels of androgen compounds inhibit the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus. GnRH is responsible for stimulating the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) by the anterior pituitary gland. LH and FSH are crucial for proper testicular function, including sperm production. When the secretion of GnRH is inhibited by high levels of androgens, it leads to a decrease in LH and FSH levels, ultimately disrupting the normal feedback loop of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This disruption results in impaired sperm production and fertility.
Choice A is incorrect because overstimulation of inhibin formation does not directly lead to sterility. Choice B is incorrect because overstimulation of sperm cell production would not result in the formation of defective sperm cells leading to sterility. Choice D is incorrect because hypert