Effect of experimental cryptorchidism on the testis in the rat--a histological study.

Cryptorchidism in adult male rats was induced by pushing testes of either side into abdomen and suturing the inguinal canals. Histological examination of such tests revealed impeded mitosis and loosening of seminiferous epithelium within 24 hours. Giant cells appeared initially on the luminal side and became progressively larger and numerous subsequently. The epithelial height was gradually reduced. By day 6 some tubules contained only Sertoli cells while others had Sertoli cells, a few spermatogonia and several giant cells. Edema of peritubular space progressed with time and by day 13 lymphocytic infiltration was obvious. These degenerative changes became intense, and by day 21, giant cells started disappearing. By day 25 the degenerated tubules were replaced by an acidophilic substance. There was no evidence of any regeneration.