New research has led to advances in the development of male contraceptives. One of the most promising contraceptive methods involves injecting androgens (testosterone or other male hormones) into a male's muscles. The androgens produce a negative feedback effect on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. In trials involving a combination of androgens, sperm counts were reduced to zero in test subjects, but this method was effective for only three weeks.
Events in a Negative Feedback Loop Controlling Sperm Production
1. Production of sperm is inhibited
2. Hormone levels in the blood return to normal
3. Production of FSH and LH is inhibited
4. High levels of the injected androgens circulate in the blood
The order in which the events listed above would occur following the injection of androgens into a male's muscle is _____, _____, _____, and _____.