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Review
. 2007 May;96(5):622-7.
doi: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2007.00244.x.

Development and descent of the testis in relation to cryptorchidism

Helena E Virtanen  1 , Dina Cortes, Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts, E Martin Ritzén, Agneta Nordenskjöld, Niels E Skakkebaek, Jorma Toppari
Affiliations
Review

Development and descent of the testis in relation to cryptorchidism

Helena E Virtanen et al. Acta Paediatr. 2007 May.

Abstract

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.

Conclusion: Since testicular descent is regulated by testis-derived hormones, cryptorchidism may reflect a functional defect of the testis.

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