The Effect of Cryptorchidism on the Quantitative Histology, Histochemistry and Hydrolytic Enzyme Activity of the Rat Testis

Abstract

Cryptorchidism of the mature rat testis led to degeneration of the seminiferous tubules and changes in enzyme patterns and activities. Spermatogenic stages 1--4, containing pachytene primary spermatocytes in late meiotic prophase, and stage 5, containing recently formed round spermatids, were damaged by 48 h. Within 96 h stages showed a loss of germinal cells into the lumen and this was almost complete by 192 h.