Testicular gonadotrophins and their receptors in human cryptorchidism as revealed by immunohistochemistry and radioreceptor assay.

The localisation of endogenous FSH and LH was studied in 4 inguinal adult human testes by the immunoperoxidase technique utilising antisera against the beta-subunits of human FSH and LH. The content of available FSH and LH receptors was determined by radioreceptor assay. The Sertoli cells and about 10% of cells in the intersitium the Leydig cells, possibly the testicular macrophages, were similarly FSH-positive in cryptorchidism and control testes. The FSH receptor levels per testis were significantly lower in cryptorchidism than in control testes. Also the localisation of LH in Leydig cells in cryptorchidism was similar to the control testes, but the LH receptor level was significantly lower. These data bring further evidence for Leydig and Sertoli cell malfunction in the inguinal human testis.