Androgen biosynthesis in experimental cryptorchidism.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of unilateral cryptorchidism on androgen production and testicular maturation. Experimental cryptorchidism was produced in small and large prepuberal guinea pigs by forcing the testis to remain in the abdomen for a period of 30 days. Small prepuberal animals, which did not reach sexual maturity, showed discrete reductions in the size and weight of the ectopic testes when compared with the scrotal testes. Immaturity of germinal line, tubular size, and intertubular spaces were more pronounced in the ectopic tissue. Both glands produced 4-androstenedione as a primary metabolic product of pregnenolone. Large prepuberal animals, puberal at the time of operation, showed tubular size, spermatic line, and interstitial tissue completely developed in the scrotal gland. Testosterone production was quite similar to that produced in postpuberal testes. The ectopic organ showed only Sertolic cells, some vacuolated, and a few spermatogonia in the tubules. The spaces contained Leydig cells. A significant accumulation of 4-adrenostenedione and a lower testosterone production, compared with that found in the scrotal gland, were observed. The histologic immaturity and the hormonal biosynthesis of the puberal cryptorchid testis parallel findings in scrotal glands from sexually immature guinea pigs.