Serum inhibin B levels and the response to gonadotropin stimulation test in pubertal boys with varicocele.
OBJECTIVE
The impact of varicoceles on gonadal function in adolescents has been evaluated using several parameters, including size of testes, hormonal levels and provocative endocrine testing. Inhibin B has been demonstrated to be decreased in men with testicular damage from conditions other than varicocele. We determine whether inhibin B levels are low in adolescent boys with varicocele, and if there is a relationship between inhibin B and an exaggerated response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) stimulation testing, testicular hypertrophy and/or varicocele bilaterality.


METHODS
We studied 9 boys at Tanner stages III to V of pubertal development who had either left or bilateral varicoceles. Basal inhibin B, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone were measured. Each patient underwent Gn-RH stimulation testing.


RESULTS
All patients had essentially normal inhibin B levels for Tanner stage. Of the 9 boys 4 had an exaggerated response to Gn-RH stimulating testing. Inhibin B levels did not vary significantly either with the presence of bilateral or unilateral varicoceles or asymmetric testis.


CONCLUSIONS
The lack of correlation between inhibin B levels and the aforementioned parameters failed to suggest that inhibin B has a significant role in the clinical assessment of testicular function in adolescents with varicocele. Further studies of larger populations may further elucidate the value of inhibin B levels and varicoceles.
Carrillo
A
A
Division of Pediatric Urology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, USA.
Gershbein
A
A
Glassberg
K I
KI
Danon
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D006062:Gonadotropins; D006801:Humans; D007265:Inhibins / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D014646:Varicocele / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis*
D006062:Gonadotropins; D007265:Inhibins