Testicular in vitro conversion of progesterone to testosterone and androstenedione in 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency.

Incubations of [3H]-progesterone with testicular tissue obtained from a new case of male with 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency were performed. The per cent conversion to androstenedione and testosterone was virtually absent when compared to that obtained from an identical incubation performed using testicular tissue from a normal male with cryptochordism. The findings provide an in vitro evidence in support of the existence of 17 alpha-hydroxylase testicular defect in this disorder.