Development and descent of the testis in relation to cryptorchidism

: Virtanen HE, Cortes D, Rajpert-De Meyts E, Ritzén EM, Nordenskjöld A, Skakkebaek NE, Toppari J

: 2007

: Acta Paediatrica

: Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)

: Acta Paediatr

: 96

: 5

: 622

: 7

: 6

: 0803-5253

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1651-2227.2007.00244.x

The testis descends in two phases. Animal studies suggest, that the transabdominal descent of the testis depends on the insulin-like hormone 3 (INSL3). Androgens are important in the inguinoscrotal testicular descent in animals and humans. In general, the cause of cryptorchidism is unknown and the aetiology is possibly multifactorial. Histological changes in cryptorchid testes demonstrate disturbed development.\nSince testicular descent is regulated by testis-derived hormones, cryptorchidism may reflect a functional defect of the testis.\nUNLABELLED\nCONCLUSION