The pharmacokinetic characteristics of testosterone propionate were studied in normal men after a single im dose of 25 mg testosterone propionate-19,19,19-d3. Plasma levels of testosterone propionate-19,19,19-d3, its active metabolite testosterone-19,19,19-d3, and endogenous testosterone were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Testosterone propionate-19,19,19-d3 was gradually transferred from the im injection site to the systemic circulation. The plasma levels of testosterone propionate-19,19,19-d3 were maintained at 2-4 ng/ml between 3 and 36 h after administration. Plasma testosterone-19,19,19-d3 levels were maintained above the physiological testosterone level for 48 h, while plasma levels of endogenous testosterone changed little.