Hormone profiles and testicular histology in cryptorchid boys with marker chromosome.

Hormone profiles and testicular histology were studied in two cryptorchid boys with marker chromosome. Plasma testosterone levels were abnormally low in both cases. Plasma levels of gonadotropins and prolactin were within normal ranges in case 1, but case 2 showed decreased concentration of plasma gonadotropins and normal level of plasma prolactin. The administration of LH-RH induced low response of plasma gonadotropins in case 1 and exaggerated response in case 2. The response of plasma testosterone to the administration of hCG was poor in both cases. Testicular histology showed maturation arrest and reduction of tubular diameter and Leydig cells per seminiferous tubules in both cases. Although testicular histology in these cases were similar to those in prepubertal or pubertal boys with cryptorchidism, hormonal disturbances were more severe. It would appear that marker chromosome enhances hormonal alterations.