Postpubertal untreated cryptorchidism. Anatomical relationship between Leydig cells and tubular sclerosis.

A histological study of the postpubertal untreated cryptorchid testis establishes a direct anatomical relationship between Leydig cells and tubular sclerosis, an age-related process ranging from mild fibrosis of the tubular tunica propria to complete tubular hyalinization. Two separate processes are involved. Mild or moderate tunical fibrosis is related to pretubular hyperplastic Leydig cell nodules, while severe tubular sclerosis and hyalinization depends on the development of intratunical Leydig cells, a finding hitherto undescribed. More probing studies are needed to define the mechanisms whereby these abnormal Leydig cells cause tubular tunical fibrosis.