Does HCG treatment induce inflammation-like changes in undescended testes in boys?

Abstract

Twenty-two cryptorchid boys previously unsuccessfully treated with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) were operated. Testicular biopsies were taken and a routine orchidopexy was performed in each case. As controls eight cryptorchid boys without prior hormonal treatment were operated in the same way. A mild inflammation-like reaction was found in the cryptorchid testes in the period immediately following the last hCG injection. However, in testes studied 6 to 12 months after the last hCG injection there were no apparent signs of hCG-induced tubular damage.