The hypogonadal (hpg) mouse, which lacks circulating gonadotrophins during development, has been used (a) to determine whether initial expression of steroidogenic enzyme activity is dependent upon gonadotrophins and (b) to examine the responsiveness of these enzymes to luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulation. Activities of 17 alpha-hydroxylase, 17-ketosteroid reductase and 5 alpha-reductase were very low but detectable in the hpg testis while cholesterol side-chain cleavage (CSCC) activity was undetectable. In contrast, 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta HSD) activity was high (11% of normal testis). Treatment with LH increased CSCC and 17 alpha-hydroxylase activity more than 11-fold within 24 h. 5 alpha-Reductase activity was increased 3-fold after 3 days treatment while 17-ketosteroid reductase and 3 beta HSD activities did not respond until after 10 days of treatment. The overall increases in 5 alpha-reductase (4-fold) and 3 beta HSD (6-fold) activities were low while changes in 17-ketosteroid reductase (20-fold) and, particularly, CSCC (greater than 130-fold) and 17 alpha-hydroxylase (153-fold) were more marked. Results show (1) that expression of 3 beta HSD activity may be independent of gonadotrophins, (2) that activity of 17 alpha-hydroxylase, 17-ketosteroid reductase and 5 alpha-reductase is expressed, though at low levels, in the absence of gonadotrophins and (3) that prior exposure to gonadotrophins is not required for a rapid response to LH stimulation, particularly with respect to the cytochrome P-450 enzymes.