[Testicular functions in pubescent and adult patients with cryptorchidism--comparison between descended and undescended sides].

Ten pubescent or adult patients with unilateral cryptorchidism were examined for abnormal findings of the epididymis and of the gabernaculum Hunteri in the undescended sides at orchidopexy. Histological examinations and the experiments for enzyme activities relating to androgen biosynthesis in vitro were also performed using biopsied specimen obtained from both sides at the operation and the results for the descended and the undescended sides were compared. The results are as follows. The undescended sides were accompanied by either morphological abnormalities of epididymis or shortening of the testicular blood vessel. Ectopy of the gaberunaculum was observed in the undescended side. Both Johnsen's mean score and enzyme activities relating to androgen biosynthesis in the undescended sides were lowered compared to those of the descended sides. One case showed an elevated FSH level in the blood associated with a low Johnsen's score in the descended side and in other case the LH level in the blood was elevated. These results indicate that not only the spermatogenesis but androgen biosynthesis in the undersended sides are lowered compared to the descended sides. The results, moreover, suggest the possibility of the involvement of congenital testicular disorder even in the descended side of the cryptorchidism.