Testosterone in peripheral plasma, spermatic vein and in testicular tissue under basal conditions and after HCG-stimulation in patients with varicocele.

The incretory testicular function was tested in 21 patient with varicocele aged 19 to 39 years. In one group baseline testosterone was measured, while a second group received a single injection of 5000 IU HCG. Testosterone was studied in peripheral plasma in the spermatic vein and in testicular tissue. Baseline values after stimulation were not different from those of normal controls. Testosterone in the spermatic vein rose, and in testicular tissue was greatly increased after HCG. The data provide further evidence that Leydig cell function is normal in patients with varicocele. In varicocele spermatogenesis is not impaired by low intratesticular testosterone concentrations.