Steroid synthesis in the cryptorchid testes of three cases of the "testicular feminization" syndrome

1. 1. Results of in vitro incubations of extirpated gonadal tissue from three cases of the "testicular feminization syndrome" are reported. Production of steroids in these studies compares favorably with estimates of in vivo steroid elaboration by the same tissues reported previously. 2. 2. Two types of the syndrome as defined clinically are substantiated by hormone production. In the "complete" form, both androgens and estrogens are produced by the gonad, the former in amounts equivalent to the fetal testis. However, the tissue of the "incomplete" for shows very limited steroid productivity. 3. 3. In the complete form of the syndrome, abnormal steroid production does not appear to be a factor in the genesis of the clinical disorder.