Immunohistochemical quantitative study of the peritubular lamina propria after induction of testicular atrophy induced by epinephrine

Changes in the testicular peritubular lamina propria in rats treated for 1-11 weeks with intra-scrotal injections of epinephrine were studied by quantitative immunohistochemical methods. In control testes, BrdU-labelled nuclei (proliferating cells) were observed only in spermatogonia and some primary spermatocytes, whereas testes from epinephrine-treated rats showed BrdU labelling in some of the spermatogonia and in peritubular cells. Immunostaining for transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) was present in germ cells, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells; vimentin immunostaining was found mainly in Sertoli cells; desmin immunostaining was found in the peritubular cells, and immunostaining for type IV collagen, laminin and fibronectin was found in the extracellular matrix of the lamina propria. The volume densities of seminiferous tubules (including seminiferous epithelium, lamina propria and tubular lumen) that immunostained for TGF-beta 1, vimentin, laminin, desmin or fibronectin were calculated. All of these parameters increased significantly in testes from epinephrine-treated animals during the course of the experiment, except for desmin immunostaining which showed no significant change in volume density. Since total seminiferous tubule volume decreased markedly in the testes of treated rats during the experiment, the transformation of relative values for immunostaining into absolute volumes per testis revealed a significant increase in TGF-beta 1 immunostaining, no significant change in vimentin immunostaining, and a significant decrease in desmin immunostaining during the time of the study. The absolute volume occupied by laminin and fibronectin immunostaining decreased from the 3rd to the 8th weeks of treatment, and increased from the 8th to the 11th weeks. These changes, associated with germ cell depletion and tubular fibrosis, suggest that tubular ischaemic atrophy caused by epinephrine alters the peritubular myoid cells, which change immunophenotype and increase their secretion of the extracellular matrix components producing tubular fibrosis. The mechanism of this alteration may involve direct effects on the peritubular cells or the changes may be secondary to germ cell and/or Sertoli cell lesions.

The origin of testicular microliths

The origin and development of eosinophilic bodies and microliths were studied histochemically and immunohistochemically in 29 human testes from prepubertal and adult males with different diseases. Non-calcified and partially calcified eosinophilic bodies were found mainly in infants and children. Most of the eosinophilic bodies were apparently located within the seminiferous tubules, where they were surrounded by a double Sertoli cell layer. Serial sections revealed that these tubules were configurated abnormally, either displaying a spiral course or forming a cap-like structure over the eosinophilic bodies that were actually extratubular. Completely calcified bodies (microliths) were found mainly in testes from adult men. The microliths were intratubular and appeared to be surrounded by a double layer of Sertoli cells. Eosinophilic bodies stained with eosin, periodic-acid-Schiff and silver methenamine like the tunica propria of seminiferous tubules. The peripheral band showed immunoreaction to both anti-laminin and anti-type IV collagen antibodies, similar to the basal lamina. Microliths were von Kossa-positive and immunostained similarly to the eosinophilic bodies. The present results suggest that a microlith is formed as a small eosinophilic body in the tunica propria. Afterwards, the body increases in size by deposit of new substances and compresses the seminiferous tubule which forms a ring or cap around it. Thereafter, the body undergoes calcification and becomes a microlith which compresses the seminiferous epithelium and enters the tubule.

The apical mitochondria-rich cells of the mammalian epididymis

The morphology and function of the apical mitochondria-rich cells in the mammalian ductus epididymidis epithelium are revised. These cells are similar in all mammalian species studied. Apical mitochondria-rich cells are scarce (1-5 cells/100 principal cells) and are mainly found in the initial epididymal segments. Their morphology varies from slender cells that extend from the basal lamina to the epididymal lumen, to round cells that protrude into the lumen and are not in contact with the basal lamina. Their cytoplasm is more electron-dense than that of principal cells and contains more mitochondria which, in some species, are surrounded by rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae. The adluminal cytoplasm displays a few short microvilli and contains many acid phosphatase positive vesicles. Apical mitochondria-rich cells differ from the principal cells in some histochemical features such as: (a) different lectin-staining pattern; (b) more intense reaction to the enzymatic activities: carbonic anhydrase, Ca(2+)-ATPase, peanut-agglutinin-sialidase, NADP dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, alpha-galactosidase and beta-galactosidase; (c) more intense immunoreaction to several cytokeratin types and to estradiol-related receptor protein; (d) weaker immunoreaction to epithelial membrane antigen and to retinol-binding protein. Although the function of the apical mitochondria-rich cells is still unknown, the following possible functions have been suggested: holocrine secretion; cooperation with the principal cells in epididymal reabsorption of testicular fluid; and acidification of epididymal fluid. Experimental results suggest that differentiation and maintenance of apical mitochondria-rich cells are not under androgen control and that these cells are sensitive to estrogen stimulation.

Ultrastructural localization of PGP 9.5 and ubiquitin immunoreactivities in rat ductus epididymidis epithelium

The distribution of protein gene product 9.5 (PGP) and ubiquitin in the spermatozoa and epithelial cells in the different regions of the rat ductus epididymidis (proximal caput, distal caput, corpus and cauda) was studied by Western blotting analyses and electron microscopical immunogold labelling. Western blotting analyses showed that the PGP immunoreactive band was very intense in the caput and cauda epididymidis and almost irrelevant in the corpus, while the ubiquitin immunoreactive band was intense in the distal caput and cauda. No ubiquitin immunoreactive band was observed in the proximal caput and only a very weak band was seen in the corpus. The results of electron microscopical immunogold labelling varied from one epididymal region to another. The proximal caput epididymidis presented immunoreaction to PGP in the rough endoplasmic reticulum, cytosol, mitochondria and microvilli of most principal cells, and in the cytosol, rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria of most basal cells. No ubiquitin immunoreaction was observed in this epididymal region. In the distal caput epididymidis, PGP immunoreactivity was detected in some principal and basal cells in the same intracellular locations as described in the proximal caput. In this region, ubiquitin immunoreactivity appears in the apical cytosol and mitochondria of principal cells. The corpus epididymidis showed no immunoreaction to PGP or ubiquitin. In the cauda epididymidis, immunostaining to PGP was observed in most clear cells and in isolated principal cells. The intracellular location of PGP in both cell types was the cytosol, mitochondria and microvilli. Ubiquitin immunoreactivity was detected in the perinuclear cytosol and mitochondria-but not in the digestive vacuoles-of some clear cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Consumption of soft drinks with phosphoric acid as a risk factor for the development of hypocalcemia in children: a case-control study

A comparison of 57 cases (in children with serum calcium concentration < 2.2 mmol/L) and 171 controls (in children with serum calcium level > or = 2.2 mmol/L) was carried out to assess whether the intake of at least 1.5 L/wk of soft drinks containing phosphoric acid is a risk factor for the development of hypocalcemia. A significant association was found: odds ratio = 5.27; 95% confidence interval, 3.17 to 8.75; p < 0.001. The hypothesis of a causal relationship between intake of phosphoric acid-containing soft drinks and hypocalcemia warrants further investigation.

Intermediate filaments in the testis of the teleost mosquito fish Gambusia affinis holbrooki: a light and electron microscope immunocytochemical study and western blotting analysis

A light and electron microscope immunocytochemical study and Western blotting analysis has been performed on intermediate filaments (vimentin, desmin and cytokeratins) in the testis of the teleost fish Gambusia affinis holbrooki. An immunoreaction to vimentin was observed in the epithelium of the efferent ducts, testicular canal and their surrounding peritubular cells. Positive vimentin immunostaining was also observed in the cells located around seminiferous tubules (boundary cells), Leydig cells, interstitial fibroblasts, chromatophores, and blood vessel endothelial cells. In contrast to mammals, no vimentin immunoreactivity was found in the Sertoli cells. Immunoreactivity to desmin was weak in the epithelial cells of the efferent ducts and testicular canal and intense in the peritubular cells that surrounded these ducts. Desmin immunoreactivity was also observed in the seminiferous tubule boundary cells. The immunoreactivity was weak in the boundary cells that surrounded germ cell cysts containing spermatogonia or spermatocytes and intense in the boundary cells around cysts with elongated or mature spermatids. Immunoreactivity towards cytokeratins was observed only in testicular blood vessels. Cytokeratin immunolabelling was intense in the endothelium and weak in the vascular smooth muscle cells. No cytokeratin immunoreactivity was found in the Sertoli cells, germ cells, interstitial cells or in the efferent duct epithelium. The absence of intermediate filaments in the Sertoli cells, the absence of cytokeratins in the epithelium of the sperm excretory ducts, and the presence of desmin filaments in these epithelial cells are the most important differences with regards to the intermediate filament phenotype in mammalian testes.

Cytoskeleton in Sertoli cells of the mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis holbrooki)

BACKGROUND

There is little information about the distribution of cytoskeletal components in the testes of teleost fish. The aim of this paper was to know the distribution of some major cytoskeletal proteins (tubulin, actin, vimentin, desmin, and cytokeratins) in the Sertoli cells of Gambusia affinis holbrooki and in their efferent duct epithelial cells which are possibly originated from the Sertoli cells.

METHODS

Light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical studies and Western blotting analysis were performed in G. affinis testis.

RESULTS

Actin immunoreaction was observed in the Sertoli cells at all spermatogenic stages, although the intensity of this reaction varied from one stage to another. Sertoli cells that support spermatogonia or spermatocytes showed a weak immunoreaction which was uniformly distributed throughout the cytoplasm and somewhat more concentrated at the level of the inter-Sertoli specialized junctions. Immunoreaction to actin increased during the first stages of spermiogenesis and was mainly localized beneath the plasma membrane. This immunoreaction was more intense in the basal than in the apical cytoplasm of Sertoli cells. In a more advanced stage of spermiogenesis, actin immunoreaction become stronger in the apical cytoplasm where Sertoli cells displayed cytoplasmic projections around each spermatid. After sperm release, the apical Sertoli cell cytoplasm still showed an intense actin immunoreaction. Intense immunoreaction to actin was also observed in the epithelial cells lining the efferent ducts. Immunoreaction to tubulin was diffuse throughout the Sertoli cell cytoplasm. No immunoreaction to vimentin or desmin was observed in the Sertoli cells during the spermatogenic process. Immunoreaction to both vimentin and desmin was observed in the efferent duct cells. Desmin immunoreaction was also observed in the seminiferous tubule boundary cells, mainly in the sections showing germ cell cysts at the last stages of spermiogenesis and in the peritubular cells that surrounded the efferent duct epithelium. Immunoreaction to cytokeratins was found in the endothelium of testicular blood vessels but not in the Sertoli cells or in the efferent duct epithelium.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunoreaction pattern to cytoskeletal proteins in the Sertoli cells of G. affinis differs from that reported in mammalian Sertoli cells. These differences include the distribution of actin filaments and the absence of detectable vimentin immunoreaction in G. affinis Sertoli cells.

Myoid cell proliferation in rat seminiferous tubules after ischaemic testicular atrophy induced by epinephrine. Morphometric and immunohistochemical (bromo-deoxyuridine and PCNA) studies

The proliferation of peritubular myoid cells in the testes of rats treated for 1-11 weeks with intra-scrotal injections of epinephrine was investigated using immunohistochemistry and quantitative histology. The percentage of peritubular cells that were immunopositive for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) or that were labelled with 5'-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) in the S-phase of the cell cycle, were calculated in control and treated rats after 1,3,5,8 and 11 weeks of treatment. In addition, the change in the number of peritubular cells per testis was calculated using two different stereological methods. The possible correlation between the changes observed using the two proliferation indices (PCNA immunoreaction and labelling of BrdU) in peritubular myoid cells was evaluated by regression analysis. The results of the study indicate that both proliferation indices increased in peritubular cells between the third and the eighth weeks of treatment, and that this increase was correlated with an increase in the number of these cells. From weeks 8-11 of treatment, both proliferation indices decreased and the same occurred with the number of peritubular cells. We hypothesize that proliferation of the peritubular cells occurs in order to increase their secretion of extracellular matrix components leading to enlargement of the lamina propria of the seminiferous tubule.

Effects of oral administration of zinc and diiodohydroxyquinolein on plasma zinc levels of uremic patients

Patients with chronic renal failure often have low plasma zinc (Zn) levels. Some factors that may account for abnormal Zn metabolism in these patients are low dietary Zn intake, a specific Zn transport defect, or absence of intestinal Zn ligand. In this study Zn supplementation and a Zn-chelating drug, diiodohydroxyquinolein (DQ), were used to assess the effects of Zn intake and Zn transporters on Zn plasma levels in patients with chronic renal failure. To meet this objective, 20 uremic patients were randomly assigned to one of the following groups of treatment: group 1 received placebo; group 2 Zn sulfate (100 mg/day p.o.), group 3 DQ (80 mg/day p.o.), and group 4 received Zn sulfate plus DQ at the same dosages as in groups 2 and 3. The Zn plasma levels were measured in venous samples, before and after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment, by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The Zn plasma levels increased in group 2 patients from 8 +/- 0.2 to 10 +/- 0.4 and 11 +/- 0.9 mumol/l by the end of the 1st and 2nd weeks of treatment, respectively. In group 4 patients, the Zn plasma levels increased even more: from 9 +/- 0.1 to 14 +/- 1.6 and 13 +/- 2.1 mumol/l respectively. The plasma Zn concentration of group 1 and 3 patients remained at basal levels. These results show that DQ, when given along with Zn sulfate supplements, causes a greater increase in plasma Zn levels than that caused by either drug given alone.

Epithelial-myoepithelial tumor of the bronchus

A primary bronchial tumor with a histological pattern similar to that of epithelial-myoepithelial tumor of the salivary gland is reported in a 55-year-old woman. The tumor was well delimited, although not encapsulated, and showed a polypoid growth. The tumor was composed of two types of neoplastic cells: epithelial cells displaying tubules and myoepithelial cells that either formed compact masses or surrounded the tubular formations. Immunohistochemical study confirmed positive immunoreaction to both high- and low-molecular-weight cytokeratins in the epithelial cells and positive immunoreaction to vimentin, S-100 protein, and myosin in the myoepithelial cells.

Immunohistochemical and semiquantitative study of the apical mitochondria-rich cells of the human prepubertal and adult epididymis

An immunohistochemical and semiquantitative study of the apical mitochondria-rich cells (AMRC) in the caput, corpus and cauda of the human epididymis from the fetal period to adulthood was performed on autopsy specimens from normal males without testicular or associated pathology. The immunohistochemical pattern of AMRC differed from that of the principal cells (PC). AMRC showed a more intense immunoreaction to several keratin types (AE1 and AE3 keratin complexes, and keratins 18 and 19) and to oestradiol-related protein receptors than did PC. In addition, immunostaining with antibodies to epithelial membrane antigen was intense in PC and weak in AMRC. Two immunohistochemical types of basal cells were observed: one was similar to the AMRC and the other to PC. PC and AMRC were already present in fetuses of 24-27 wk gestation. Basal cells were only occasionally observed at this age, but became much more numerous in the 28-33 wk fetuses. No changes in the immunohistochemical patterns of any of these cell types were found during infancy and adulthood. The numbers of PC per unit length of basement membrane were very similar in the 3 epididymal regions and at all ages studied. In all age groups, the number of AMRC decreased from caput to cauda epididymis. In the caput and corpus, the number of AMRC rose during the fetal period and the first 6 months after birth and thereafter decreased progressively during infancy and adulthood.

Effect of zinc treatment on serum thyroid hormones in uremic patients under peritoneal dialysis

In order to evaluate the effect of zinc (Zn) deficiency on thyroid abnormalities in chronic renal failure, a Zn supplement (100 mg/day, p.o.) was given for four weeks to eight uremic patients under peritoneal dialysis. Zn supplementation increased plasma levels of TSH (5.8 +/- 0.7 to 7.4 +/- 0.7 mU/l, p < 0.02), T4 (61.6 +/- 3.9 to 93.9 +/- 6.2 nmol/l, p < 0.01), T3 (1.31 +/- 0.14 to 1.70 +/- 0.18 nmol/l, p < 0.01) and Zn (7.23 +/- 0.45 to 12.27 +/- 0.76 mumol/l, p < 0.01). A close correlation was found between changes in plasma levels of Zn and changes in TSH (r = 0.82), T4 (r = 0.55) and T3 (r = 0.64), suggesting that Zn deficiency may play a role in the biosynthesis or release of hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis in chronic renal failure.

Enzymohistochemical and immunohistochemical study of the human efferent ducts

An enzymohistochemical and immunohistochemical study of the efferent ducts was performed in normal adult men. The epithelium consists of two types of columnar cells: principal cells (PCs) and ciliated cells (CCs), and is surrounded by a lamina propria (LP) with cells arranged circularly (LPCs). Enzymohistochemical study revealed more intense activity of succinic dehydrogenase, NADP, and ATPase in the CCs than in the PCs. The LPCs also showed an intense reaction for NADP and ATPase. Acid phosphatase activity was only intense in the apical cytoplasm of PCs. Immunohistochemical study revealed that antibodies to oestradiol receptor-related protein (ER-D5) immunostained the PCs and CCs intensely and the LPCs weakly. AE1/AE3 antibodies (which stain keratins nos. 1-8 and 14, 15 and 19) immunostained the PCs intensely, but was negative in both CCs and LPCs. Antibodies to keratin Ks.4.62 (which stain keratin no. 19) immunostained PCs and CCs but not LPCs. Epithelial membrane antigen antibodies (EMA) immunostained the adluminal surface and apical cytoplasm of PCs. Anti-vimentin antibodies immunostained the cytoplasm of PCs and CCs weakly as well as isolated cells in the LP. Antibodies to desmin immunostained most LPCs. Antibodies to collagen IV immunostained the basal lamina and many extracellular spaces in the LP, mainly around the LPCs. The differences between the enzymohistochemical and immunohistochemical patterns of the efferent ducts and those of the epididymis may help to explain functional differences along the epididymis.

Protein gene product 9.5 and ubiquitin immunoreactivities in rat epididymis epithelium

A quantitative immunohistochemical study was performed of the distribution of protein gene product 9.5 (PGP, a soluble protein localized in neurons and neuroendocrine cells as well as in some non-nervous cells) and ubiquitin along the rat epididymis. In the ductuli efferents, PGP immunoreaction was observed in the whole cytoplasm of some columnar cells; a smaller number of columnar cells showed ubiquitin immunoreactivity with limited apical and basal cytoplasmic localization. In the proximal caput epididymidis, the whole cytoplasm of all columnar cells showed PGP immunoreactivity, ubiquitin immunostaining was negative in this region. In the middle and distal caput epididymidis and the distal cauda, the apical cytoplasm of some columnar cells and the whole cytoplasm of some basal cells showed immunoreactivity to PGP. In these regions, immunoreactivity to ubiquitin was positive in the supranuclear cytoplasm of some columnar cells but not in the basal cells. No immunoreactivity to PGP or ubiquitin was detected in the corpus epididymis and the proximal cauda. Double immunostaining revealed that all the epididymal ubiquitin immunoreactive cells were also PGP immunoreactive, whereas most PGP immunoreactive cells did not immunoreact to ubiquitin. In ubiquitin-PGP immunoreactive cells, the site of the PGP immunoreaction differed from that of the ubiquitin immunoreaction. PGP-ubiquitin immunoreactive cells also seemed to be immunoreactive to anti-AE1/AE3 keratin antibodies. The spermatozoal heads were immunoreactive to PGP antibodies in the epididymal regions from proximal caput to distal cauda but not in the ductuli efferents. The findings suggest that non-ubiquitinated PGP immunoreactive proteins are secreted in the epididymis, mainly in the proximal caput, and attach to spermatozoa.

Testosterone immunoexpression in human Leydig cells of the tunica albuginea testis and spermatic cord. A quantitative study in normal foetuses, young adults, elderly men and patients with cryptorchidism

A semi-quantitative study of the extra-parenchymal Leydig cells in the tunica albuginea testis and spermatic cord was performed on histological sections immunostained with anti-testosterone antibodies in the testes and spermatic cords obtained from human foetuses, adults and elderly men without testicular or related diseases (autopsy specimens), as well as from adult men with cryptorchidism (surgical specimens). The albugineal Leydig cells appeared in small groups in the vicinity of blood vessels. The Leydig cells of the spermatic cord usually appeared inside or around nerve trunks. The percentages of testes and spermatic cords with extra-parenchymal Leydig cells were higher in the cryptorchid testis group than in the normal male groups. The number of Leydig cells per mm2 in the tunica albuginea testis was higher in normal adult males than in foetuses. This number decreased in elderly men and increased markedly in cryptorchidism. The number of Leydig cells per mm2 in the spermatic cord was also higher in normal adults than in foetuses and it did not change with either advancing age or cryptorchidism. In foetuses, the percentage of cells intensely immunostained by anti-testosterone antibodies in the tunica albuginea and spermatic cord did not differ significantly from that found in the testicular parenchyma, whereas in the other three groups (adult, elderly, and cryptorchid men) the percentages of these cells in the tunica albuginea and spermatic cord were significantly lower than in the testicular parenchyma.

Immunohistochemistry of the human ductus epididymis

Our objective was to characterize epithelial cells, lamina propria, and sites of estrogen coupling in the caput, corpus, and cauda regions of the human epididymis using antibodies to cytokeratin types; epithelial membrane antigen; laminin; type IV collagen; vimentin; desmin-, and estradiol-receptor-related protein; and immuno-histochemical techniques. Principal cells immunostain by both AE1/AE3 antibodies (keratins 1-8, 10, 13-15, and 19) and anti-pan-keratin antibodies (keratin 5, 6, and 8). Immunoreactions to both anti-keratin antibodies increase from the caput to the cauda epididymis. The principal cells only immunostained by anti-keratin 19 antibodies in the cauda and showed no reaction to keratins 10 and 11. Basal cells and apical cells immunoreact to anti-AE1/AE3, antipankeratin, and antikeratin 19 antibodies, but not to antikeratin 10 and 11 antibodies, in all three epididymal regions. The principal cells immunoreact with epithelial membrane antigen antibodies in the stereocilia and subjacent cytoplasm. This immunostaining decreased from the caput to the cauda. Antivimentin antibodies stained the apical cytoplasm of principal cells and limited areas of both principal cells and basal cells. This immunoreaction decreased from the caput to cauda. Apical cells immunostained in the three regions. Immunoreaction to ER-D5 was moderate in the principal cells, basal cells, apical cells, and muscular coat cells in the cauda. The apical cells immunostained in the three regions. Antilaminin antibodies stained the epithelial basement membrane in the three regions. Type IV collagen was detected in the basement membrane as well as around the muscular coat cells in the three regions. Immunoreaction to desmin was intense in the muscular coat cells in the three regions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cytophotometric DNA quantification in human spermatogonia of cryptorchid testes

The DNA content of spermatogonia was studied by cytophotometric quantification in the testes of cryptorchid children and adults, as well as in age-matched control males. In most cases, the average DNA content of spermatogonia was significantly increased in the cryptorchid testes of children with uni- or bilateral cryptorchidism, as well as in the contralateral scrotal testes of children with unilateral cryptorchidism. In the group of adult men the average DNA content of spermatogonia in the testes was even more increased than in children. There were not significant differences between 4 and 14 years of age, between unilateral and bilateral cryptorchidism, or between cryptorchid testes and contralateral normally descended testes. The DNA content of spermatogonia in the surgically descended testes of 3 children who were re-biopsied 3-4 years after orchidopexy was similar before and after orchidopexy. These findings suggest that the spermatogonia of many cryptorchid males bear a congenital lesion.

Bilateral mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the testis and epididymis

We describe an intratesticular mucinous cystadenocarcinoma in a 59-year-old man. The tumor was bilateral and appeared in the right testis and the left epididymis. The testicular tumor was a well-demarcated nodule, 3.5 cm in diameter, that extended from the lower testicular pole (close to the albuginea) to the epididymis compressing the corpus and infiltrating the cauda. The contralateral tumor, a 2.5-cm nodule located in the corpus epididymidis, compressed the ductus epididymidis. Both tumors consisted of multiple cavities varying in size, separated from one another by connective tissue septa that were incompletely lined by a columnar pseudostratified epithelium. The epithelial cells immunostained positively for carcinoembryonal antigen and comprised two cell types: cells showing a hyperchromatic nucleus, located in the basal portion of the cell, abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum, apical vacuoles, and numerous microvilli; and mucous cells. The cystic lumen showed a mucous content and sloughed epithelial cells. The differential diagnosis and histogenesis of these tumors is discussed.

The peritubular myoid cells in the testes from men with varicocele: an ultrastructural, immunohistochemical and quantitative study

Ultrastructural and some immunophenotypic features of the peritubular myoid cells of testes from normal men and from men with varicocele were studied. The seminiferous tubules were classified into five types (a-e), related to the progressive degree of sclerosis measured as thickening of the lamina propria. In normal testes only type a and b tubules were found, whereas the testes from men with varicocele showed type b-e tubules. Myoid cells in tubule types a and b showed slender cytoplasmic projections with abundant, parallel arranged microfilament bundles and electron-dense bodies. In c tubules, the myoid cells showed the same ultrastructure. The myoid cells of tubules with advanced (type d) or complete (type e) sclerosis showed irregularly outlined nuclei, scant microfilament bundles and absence of electron-dense bodies. Immunostaining of myoid cells with anti-actin antibodies was intense in types a-c tubules and scant in types d and e. Immunostaining with anti-desmin antibodies was intense in tubules types a-d, but the immunoreactive cells in types c and d tubules were irregularly shaped and distributed and were scanty in tubule type e. Immunostaining with anti-vimentin antibodies was weak in types a-c tubules and intense in types d and e tubules. Quantitative studies revealed that, with the progression of sclerosis, the numbers of both actin- and desmin-immunoreactive cells per cross-sectioned tubule, and the surface area occupied by the immunostained portion of these cells, decreases while the number of vimentin-immunoreactive cells and their immunostained surface area increases.

The peritubular myofibroblasts in the testes from normal men and men with Klinefelter's syndrome. A quantitative, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical study

The ultrastructure and immunostaining with antibodies against actin, desmin, and vimentin were studied in the peritubular myofibroblasts of testes from normal men and men with Klinefelter' syndrome (KS). The seminiferous tubules were classified into five types (a-e), related to the progressive degree of sclerosis measured as thickening of the lamina propria. In control testes, only types a and b tubules were present, whereas the testes from men with KS showed types b, c, d, and e tubules. The ultrastructural study revealed abundant microfilament bundles with electron-dense bodies in the cell periphery of the myofibroblasts in a and b tubules. In c tubules, the microfilament bundles of the myofibroblasts were lacking in electron-dense bodies. Myofibroblasts in tubules d and e showed scanty microfilament bundles. Immunostaining of peritubular myofibroblasts with anti-actin antibodies was intense in tubule types a-c and scanty in types d and e. Immunostaining of myofibroblasts with anti-desmin antibodies was intense in tubule types a and b, and negative in types c-e. Immunostaining with anti-vimentin antibodies was weak in tubule types a-c and intense in types d and e. Quantitative study revealed that with the progression of sclerosis, the number and volume per cross-sectioned tubule of actin-containing cells and, mainly, desmin-containing cells decrease while the number and volume of vimentin-containing cells increase.