PITUITARY LH AND FSH AND TESTOSTERONE SECRETION IN INFANTS WITH UNDESCENDED TESTES

Abstract

Twelve male infants with undescended testes (5 bilaterally, 7 unilaterally) were studied between the ages of 1 wk and 11 mo. As in older pre-pubertal cryptorchid boys, a significant decrease of the LH [luteinizing hormone] response to LH-RH [luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone] test was found, while basal plasma levels of gonadotropins and FSH [follicle stimulating hormone] response to LH-RH were normal. Plasma testosterone levels were in the normal range, and Leydig cells responded to stimulation by HCG [human chorionic gonadotropin], the degree of this response being significantly and positively correlated to the LH peak elicited by LH-RH. Some early defect of the pituitary-Leydig cell axis is associated with undescended testes.