Plasma Testosterone in Prepubertal Cryptorchid Boys under Long-Term HCG Therapy

Abstract

Plasma testosterone concentrations were determined before and after 6 weeks of human chorionic gonadotropin treatment in 36 prepubertal boys with bilateral or unilateral cryptorchidism. Mean ± SD basal and post-treatment values (ng/l00 ml) in the bilateral group were: treatment successful (n = 14): 32 ± 19 and 302 ± 49, treatment unsuccessful (n = 12): 20 ± 15 and 176 ± 73. The figures for the unilateral group were: treatment successful (n = 6): 23 ± 9 and 244 ± 41, treatment unsuccessful (n = 5): 22 ± 11 and 264 ± 102. In the bilateral group significant differences in the T response emerged when successfully treated boys were compared to unsuccessfully treated ones. It is concluded that Leydig cell function may be impaired in some cases of cryptorchidism.