Testicular tissue removed from a 15½-yr-old boy with delayed sexual maturation, despite normal levels of urinary gonadotropins for 2 yr, was shown to be capable of converting pregnenolone-7α-3H to androstenedione, testosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone and 16α-hydroxy pregnenolone. Microscopical examination of the tissue revealed almost complete lack of spermatogenesis and reduced numbers of spermatogonia. Leydig cells were present but reduced in number. Chromosomal studies of the testicular tissue showed a normal XY-46 pattern. This patient is considered unique in that, although his testes were capable of making androgens in vitro, and he was shown to be responsive to exogenous androgen, various clinical tests, including estimation of plasma testosterone, suggested insufficient androgen production in vivo. The testicular pathology found on microscopical examination is incompatible with the diagnosis of constitutional delayed adolescence.

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