[Effect of hCG on the production of androstenedione, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone by long term organ culture testicular tissue from hypophysectomized boars].

Study of the profile of androstenedione, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone elaboration was performed till 23 days of culture. Stimulation by hCG went through several phases which were expressed in terms of hormonal elaboration by successive steps of 1) progressive initiation 2) strong activity 3) fall 4) renewal of the secretion. The inital step corresponds to the restoration of cytoplasmic organels dealing with steroidogenesis. The fall could correspond to apparition of a transient refractoriness. This late event resembles desensitization which has been described in another models.