LIGHT AND ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATIONS OF UNDESCENDED TESTICLES

Testicular biopsies were obtained, during hernia repair from 15 boys aged 1-15, from 11 undescended testicles at surgical correction of cryptochidism and from 5 undescended testicles in 21-year-old men. Light microscopy of tubules and interstitium and electron microscopy of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticula in Sertoli and Leydig cells indicated that in the undescended testicle, lack of development became evident at 5 years and was progressive until 13-15, when it reached a maximum. It is suggested that orchidopexy be done before age five years. © 1970.