Effects of experimental cryptorchidism on testicular function in adult rats.

Abstract

The effects of surgically‐induced cryptorchidism on testicular function in adult rats was studied, with particular emphasis on the temporal relationship between the onset of cryptorchidism and a number of parameters of Sertoli cell, Leydig cell, and pituitary function. Sertoli cell function assessed by measurement of testicular ABP content, ABP production rate, testicular fluid production, and FSH receptor levels was found to be disrupted very rapidly (one to two days) after inducing cryptorchidism. By four days, ABP production rate and fluid production were found to represent only 12% and 65% of control levels, respectively. However, these parameters were maintained at these levels even 70 days following cryptorchidism. The binding of 125I‐FSH to testes homogenates was found to decrease steadily to less than 10% of control levels after 70 days of cryptorchidism. Serum FSH levels were elevated 14 days postcryptorchidism and there was a highly negative correlation between the rise and both ABP and fluid production. Serum levels of LH rose after 14 days of cryptorchidism, although testosterone levels were not significantly altered throughout the experiment. The binding of iodinated hCG to testes homogenates also decreased significantly within six days of inducing cryptorchidism and remained low (16%) after 70 days of cryptorchidism. The results demonstrate rapid changes in aspects of both Sertoli and Leydig cell function after surgically‐induced cryptorchidism.