21-Deoxycortisol (21-DF) and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) responses to adrenalcorticotropic hormone in males with idiopathic oligozoospermia.

Combined results of 21-DF (via the specific RIA method) and 17-OHP levels in plasma were used to support the evidence that some of the cases with idiopathic oligozoospermia (I.O.) are the result of 21-hydroxylase deficiency (C-21-HD). In our current tests, in four out of 19 males with I.O., elevated levels of 21-DF prior to ACTH stimulation (24.3 +/- 2.3 ng/dl) and after ACTH stimulation (81.2 +/- 5.2 ng/dl) in comparison to the controls (10.6 +/- 4.3 ng/dl and 36.9 +/- 10.1 ng/dl after ACTH) and other I.O. cases were observed. Only one out of these cases presented elevated 17-OHP levels prior and after ACTH stimulation in comparison to the controls and other I.O. cases. Measuring the 21-DF levels along with the 17-OHP in males suspected of C-21-HD, seems to aid the establishing of a correct diagnosis.