Summary
The effects of cryptorchism on testis weight and histology, ventral prostate weight (VPW), and serum LH and FSH were assessed in rats 49 days of age. Rats 49 days of age have elevated FSH levels which fall to adult range when mature testis weight is achieved. Bilateral crytorchism producted: 1. histological changes in the testes by 3 days and a final reduction of testis weight of 75%; 2. a reduction of VPW of 40%; and 3. elevations of both serum LH and FSH by 4 days; serum FSH did not increase to castrate levels. It is concluded: 1. because serum FSH levels correlate with testicular maturation, some product of the germinal epithelium may selectively regulate FSH secretion; 2. because cryptorchism destroys the germinal epithelium but dose not elevate FSH to the castrate range, spermatogenic activity is not the sole regulator of FSH; and 3. because cryptorchism damages both the gametogenic and androgenic functions of the testes, it will not provide a model for studies of selective FSH regulation.
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Recipient of NIH Career Development Award 1 K4-HD70436-01.
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Walsh, P.C., Swerdloff, R.S. Experimental cryptorchism: Effect on serum LH and FSH in the rat. Urol. Res. 1, 22–26 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00254760
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00254760