European Journal of Endocrinology · 1977 · 50 citations · 0 references
MedicineEndocrinologyPediatricsPediatric EndocrinologyReproductive EndocrinologyReproductive PhysiologyEndocrine TestingGonadal EndocrinologyGonadal HormonesHypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal AxisMale Reproductive EndocrinologyTesticular FunctionGonadal Hormone AssaysGonadal Hormone TestingGonadotropin-releasing Hormone Stimulation TestingHypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal Axis DysfunctionLuteinizing Hormone Stimulation TestingTesticular Steroid Hormone ProductionTestosterone Regulation
Twelve male infants with undescended testes (5 bilaterally, 7 unilaterally) were studied between the ages of 1 week and 11 months. As in older pre-pubertal cryptorchid boys, a significant decrease of the LH response to LH-RH test was found, while basal plasma levels of gonadotrophins and FSH response to LH-RH were normal. Plasma testosterone levels were in the normal range, and Leydig cells responded to stimulation by HCG, the degree of this response being significantly and positively correlated to the LH peak elicited by LH-RH. It may be concluded that some early defect of the pituitary-Leydig cell axis is associated with undescended testis.