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Development and descent of the testis in relation to cryptorchidism
Author(s) -
Virtanen Helena E,
Cortes Dina,
RajpertDe Meyts Ewa,
Ritzén E Martin,
Nordenskjöld Agneta,
Skakkebaek Niels E,
Toppari Jorma
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
acta pædiatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2007.00244.x
Subject(s) - descent (aeronautics) , medicine , hormone , etiology , endocrinology , testicle , physiology , engineering , aerospace engineering
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.