Synthesis of Testosterone by Subjects with Gonadal Dysgenesis and XXY Chromosome Constitution1

Abstract

The goal of the study was to ascertain whether or not the presence of an abnormal karyotype affects steroid synthesis in the testicular tissue of male subjects with gonadal dysgenesis. It has been shown that homogenates of testicular tissue from subjects with Klinefelter's syndrome, having 47 chromosomes with an XXY pattern, are capable of synthesizing androstenedione and testosterone from progesterone or 17 α-hydroxyprogesterone. Also, subjects with Klinefelter's syndrome have testosterone in peripheral plasma. The reasons for their incomplete masculinization remain unknown.