The HCG stimulation test in men with testicular disorders

The rise in plasma testosterone levels following stimulation with human chorionic gonadotrophin (3000 i.u./day for 4 days) has been used as a test of interstitial cell function in normal men and men with testicular disorders. The large majority of patients with testicular disorders resulting in infertility, showed a subnormal testosterone response to stimulation. The most marked impairment was noted in those patients with the biopsy appearance of germinal cell arrest and Sertoli cell only syndrome.