title: Effects of experimental cryptorchidism and subsequent orchidopexy on seminiferous tubule functions in the lamb.
abstract: The reversibility of damage caused by cryptorchidism to the seminiferous tubules of the lamb was investigated at various ages. Lambs were made bilaterally cryptorchid either at birth or at 2 months of age. Then orchidopexy was performed at either 2 or 4 months of age. In permanently cryptorchid lambs, spermatogenesis stopped completely, and Sertoli cell function, as measured by FSH receptors, androgen receptors and ABP, was much reduced (-96%, -86% and -81%, respectively). Orchidopexy allowed the cryptorchid seminiferous epithelium to grow again, but the more differentiated the germ cells, the less they were capable of restoration. Even in 0- to 2- and 0- to 4-month-old temporarily cryptorchid lambs that had recovered normal Sertoli cell function, 16 to 49% of the tubules still were empty. It was concluded that cryptorchidism irreversibly damages the seminiferous tubules at a level other than the hormone receptors.
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D002452:Cell Count; D003456:Cryptorchidism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D011944:Receptors, Androgen / Q000378:metabolism; D011962:Receptors, FSH / Q000378:metabolism; D012670:Seminiferous Epithelium / Q000473:pathology; D012671:Seminiferous Tubules / Q000473:pathology*; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D012756:Sheep; D013091:Spermatogenesis; D013737:Testis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D011944:Receptors, Androgen; D011962:Receptors, FSH