Feminizing testicular Leydig cell XXXX : hormonal profile before and after unilateral orchidectomy.

@entity1 @entity172 @entity251 @entity1420 @entity5 @entity53 @entity4418 @entity2671
The effect of chronic hyperestrogenism on gonadal function was studied in three @entity1 who had @entity172 -secreting Leydig cell tumors before unilateral orchidectomy and for 11-43 months after surgery. All three @entity1 had low plasma gonadotropin and @entity251 levels and increased @entity53 levels. Impairment of testicular steroidogenesis was also suggested by increased @entity1420 to @entity4418 and @entity4418 to @entity2671 ratios in both spermatic venous plasma and the medium of Leydig @entity5 cells from one @entity1 incubated in vitro. Before surgery, spermatogenesis was abnormal in two @entity1 . Testicular endocrine function and spermatogenesis did not return to normal after surgery. During the follow-up period, plasma gonadotropin levels were high in all three @entity1 , and @entity251 was low normal. @entity53 levels decreased to normal immediately after surgery and then returned to the upper normal limit. The response to hCG stimulation in one @entity1 was subnormal. We conclude that chronic hyperestrogenism produced hypothalamo-pituitary inhibition as well as direct steroidogenic blockade at the testicular level. Long term impairment of both endocrine and exocrine testicular functions may be secondary to slowly reversible (or irreversible) @entity172 -induced damage to tubular and Leydig cells.
