Leydig cell function in prepubertal boys with cryptorchidism before and after orchidopexy

ABSTRACT

To determine the Leydig cell function in cryptorchidism at a prepubertal age, and the effect of orchidopexy on this function, 23 boys with cryptorchidism [unilateral in 16 boys and bilateral in 7] with ages ranging from 28 4/12 to 11 years were studied. LH, FSH and testosterone were estimated in serum. Serum testosterone was also measured after three consecutive daily injections of 1500 IU HCG. These studies were repeated 6 to 10 weeks after successful orchidopexy in 12 of these boys. The results were compared to those in 10 healthy children of similar age. In unilateral and bilateral cryptorchid groups, serum LH, serum FSH, and serum testosterone [before and after HCG] were comparable to those in healthy boys. Following orchidopexy, no changes were observed in these parameters. Biopsy of the cryptorchid tests revealed normal Leydig cell morphology, and atrophic changes in the seminiferous tubules especially in older boys. It was concluded that and rogen dynamics are normal in unilateral and bilateral cryptorchidism, and that they are not influenced by orchidopexy