Histological changes of the scrotal testis in unilateral cryptorchidism.

A clinical case of acquired unilateral cryptorchidism after herniotomy was described. Extensive degenerative changes were histologically observed not only in the cryptorchid testis but also in the scrotal one, and were regarded as underlying processes of sterility in the case of unilateral cryptorchidism . In experimental unilateral cryptorchidism in dogs, histologically demon strable spermatogenesis was suppressed in both cryptorchid and scrotal testes. Oxygen consumption and respiratory quotient of the organs were enhanced, while the activity of succinic dehydrogenase was lowered. These histological and biochemical findings were more or less normalized after reposition of the cryptorchid testis into the scrotum. It was concluded that suppressed spermatogenesis in the contralateral scrotal testis in unilateral cryptorchidism was induced in some way by the degenerative changes in the cryptorchid testis.