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A reevaluation of the mechanism of testicular descent: Reasons for failed descent or ascent

2000; Elsevier BV; Volume: 35; Issue: 7 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/s0022-3468(00)70059-5

1531-5037

F. Cahit Tanyel,

Ethics and Legal Issues in Pediatric Healthcare

The testis initially develops within the abdomen, and descends into the scrotum at around the 28th week of gestation. 1 Heyns CF The gubernaculum during testicular descent in the human fetus. J Anat. 1987; 153: 93-112 PubMed Google Scholar By 30 weeks of gestation, most testes are normally descended. 2 Sampaio FJB Favorito LA Analysis of testicular migration during the fetal period in humans. J Urol. 1998; 159: 540-542 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (49) Google Scholar Various factors including growth factors, an intact hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, androgens, and innervation have been proposed to play roles in the process of descent. 3 Heyns CF Hutson JM Historical review of theories on testicular descent. J Urol. 1995; 153: 754-767 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (153) Google Scholar , 4 Husmann DA Levy JB Current concepts in the pathophysiology of testicular descent. Urology. 1995; 46: 267-276 Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (105) Google Scholar Although numerous theories have been proposed, based on the evaluation of autopsy materials, the physical force that descends the testis remains unexplained. Recent evidence suggests that the testes descend through a mechanism that has not been considered hitherto. The mechanism of testicular descent and reasons for failed descent or ascent of testis have been reevaluated through recent evidence.