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Rodprasert W, Virtanen HE, Toppari J. Cryptorchidism and puberty. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1347435. [PMID: 38532895 PMCID: PMC10963523 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1347435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptorchidism is the condition in which one or both testes have not descended adequately into the scrotum. The congenital form of cryptorchidism is one of the most prevalent urogenital anomalies in male newborns. In the acquired form of cryptorchidism, the testis that was previously descended normally is no longer located in the scrotum. Cryptorchidism is associated with an increased risk of infertility and testicular germ cell tumors. However, data on pubertal progression are less well-established because of the limited number of studies. Here, we aim to review the currently available data on pubertal development in boys with a history of non-syndromic cryptorchidism-both congenital and acquired cryptorchidism. The review is focused on the timing of puberty, physical changes, testicular growth, and endocrine development during puberty. The available evidence demonstrated that the timing of the onset of puberty in boys with a history of congenital cryptorchidism does not differ from that of non-cryptorchid boys. Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal hormone measurements showed an impaired function or fewer Sertoli cells and/or germ cells among boys with a history of cryptorchidism, particularly with a history of bilateral cryptorchidism treated with orchiopexy. Leydig cell function is generally not affected in boys with a history of cryptorchidism. Data on pubertal development among boys with acquired cryptorchidism are lacking; therefore, more research is needed to investigate pubertal progression among such boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiwat Rodprasert
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Centre for Population Health Research, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Helena E. Virtanen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Centre for Population Health Research, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Centre for Population Health Research, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Cui H, Culty M. Do macrophages play a role in the adverse effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on testicular functions? FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2023; 5:1242634. [PMID: 37720385 PMCID: PMC10501733 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2023.1242634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
During the past decades, several endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been confirmed to affect male reproductive function and fertility in animal studies. EDCs are suspected to exert similar effects in humans, based on strong associations between levels of antiandrogenic EDCs in pregnant women and adverse reproductive effects in infants. Testicular macrophages (tMΦ) play a vital role in modulating immunological privilege and maintaining normal testicular homeostasis as well as fetal development. Although tMΦ were not historically studied in the context of endocrine disruption, they have emerged as potential targets to consider due to their critical role in regulating cells such as spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and Leydig cells. Few studies have examined the impact of EDCs on the ability of testicular cells to communicate and regulate each other's functions. In this review, we recapitulate what is known about tMΦ functions and interactions with other cell types in the testis that support spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. We also surveyed the literature for reports on the effects of the EDCs genistein and DEHP on tMΦ, SSCs, Sertoli and Leydig cells. Our goal is to explore the possibility that EDC disruption of tMΦ interactions with other cell types may play a role in their adverse effects on testicular developmental programming and functions. This approach will highlight gaps of knowledge, which, once resolved, should improve the risk assessment of EDC exposure and the development of safeguards to protect male reproductive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martine Culty
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Carrasco-Juan JL, Álvarez-Argüelles-Cabrera H, Martín-Corriente C, Gutiérrez-García R, Vega-Falcón A, Expósito-Afonso I, Méndez-Medina R, Díaz-Flores L. Extraparenchymal ovarian and testicular Leydig cells: ectopic/heterotopic or orthotopic? Arch Gynecol Obstet 2018; 298:655-661. [PMID: 29971558 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-018-4846-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We are conducting a prospective study trying to determine, in both sexes, the frequency of appearance of ectopic Leydig cells, their preferred location, their relationship with nerve structures and the possible causes of their appearance. METHODS We have studied 86 cases that were removed according to different clinical indications for pathological study: uterine leyomiomas (n = 12), ovarian cystadenoma (n = 4), endometrial hyperplasia (n = 8), endometrial carcinoma (n = 12), cervical carcinoma (n = 4), seminoma (n = 4), fallopian tube ligatures (n = 24), vasectomies (n = 8), nonspecific orchiepididymitis (n = 2), and unknown (n = 8). RESULTS We have observed ectopic Leydig cells in 13/86 cases (15.11%), 9/72 in the female samples (12.50%) and 4/14 in male samples (28.57%). The most frequent location was the mesosalpinx (4 of 13: 30.76%). CONCLUSIONS These high figures lead us to believe that the ectopia of Leydig cells is not really a pathologic entity, but a finding related to specific functions yet to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- José L Carrasco-Juan
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medicine Section, University of La Laguna, C/Sta. María Soledad, s/n. Apartado 456, Código Postal 38200, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain.
| | - Hugo Álvarez-Argüelles-Cabrera
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medicine Section, University of La Laguna, C/Sta. María Soledad, s/n. Apartado 456, Código Postal 38200, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
- Service of Pathology, Canary University Hospital Complex, Tenerife, Spain
| | | | - Ricardo Gutiérrez-García
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medicine Section, University of La Laguna, C/Sta. María Soledad, s/n. Apartado 456, Código Postal 38200, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - Abián Vega-Falcón
- Service of Pathology, Canary University Hospital Complex, Tenerife, Spain
| | | | - Rafael Méndez-Medina
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medicine Section, University of La Laguna, C/Sta. María Soledad, s/n. Apartado 456, Código Postal 38200, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
- Service of Pathology, Canary University Hospital Complex, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Lucio Díaz-Flores
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medicine Section, University of La Laguna, C/Sta. María Soledad, s/n. Apartado 456, Código Postal 38200, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
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Beltrán-Frutos E, Seco-Rovira V, Martínez-Hernández J, Ferrer C, Pastor LM. Loss of hamster Leydig cells during regression after exposure to a short photoperiod. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:1137-1144. [DOI: 10.1071/rd17409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the changes that occur in hamster Leydig cells during regression. Animals were divided into control, mild regression (MR), strong regression (SR) and total regression (TR) groups. Leydig cells were characterised by light and electron microscopy. Terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP–digoxigenin nick end-labelling (TUNEL) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) antibodies were used to detect apoptosis and proliferation respectively. Three types of Leydig cells (A, B and C) could be differentiated. Type A cells were small in size compared with Leydig cells from animals exposed to a long photoperiod, which was a result of a decreased cytoplasm and nucleus. Type B cells were even smaller than Type A cells in regression groups. Type C exhibited cytoplasm vacuolisation. The percentage of Type C cells from the control group was much lower than in the MR, SR and TR groups. (P < 0.05). In the SR and TR groups, there was a significant decrease in the percentage of Type B cells compared with the control and MR groups (P < 0.05). The total number of Leydig cells decreased during testicular regression (P < 0.05). The total number of Type A and B cells was significantly lower in the MR, SR and TR groups compared with the control group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the proliferation and apoptosis index in the groups studied. The findings of the present study indicate that there are three types of Leydig cells (A, B and C) in all hamsters studied and that regression causes an increase in the number of Type C cells, so that the reduction in the number Leydig cells during the phases of regression studied must be the result of necrosis and/or necroptosis.
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Rohayem J, Luberto A, Nieschlag E, Zitzmann M, Kliesch S. Delayed treatment of undescended testes may promote hypogonadism and infertility. Endocrine 2017; 55:914-924. [PMID: 28070708 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-016-1178-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Undescended testes at birth may be caused by testosterone deficiency during fetal development. It is unclear whether the process of failed descent contributes to permanent endocrine impairment. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the impact of age at treatment of undescended testes on endocrine and spermatogenic testicular function in middle-aged men. PATIENTS AND METHODS Reproductive hormone and semen data of 357 men with previously undescended testes were evaluated with respect to age at correction of testicular position and compared to those of 709 controls with eutopic testes at birth and normozoospermia. RESULTS Men with undescended testes had higher mean Luteinizing Hormone levels (p < 0.0001) and lower mean testosterone levels (p = 0.003) compared to controls. They also had lower bi-testicular volumes, higher Follicle Stimulating Hormone levels, and lower sperm concentrations (all p < 0.0001). Lowest mean sperm concentrations were found in subjects with bilateral undescended testes. Normal sperm concentrations were found in 21 % of cases (in 27 % of men with unilateral and in 12 % with bilateral undescended testes), while oligozoospermia was diagnosed in 44 %, and azoospermia in 35 % (in 28 % with unilateral, 46 % with bilateral undescended testes). Subjects with reduced semen quality had higher gonadotropin levels than those with normozoospermia. Age at correction (median: 6 years (1-39)) was inversely correlated with bi-testicular volumes and sperm concentrations, and positively correlated with FSH and LH, but not with serum testosterone. CONCLUSION Latent, rarely decompensated hypogonadism is a potential long-term consequence of undescended testes, besides infertility and testicular cancer, preferentially affecting subjects with delayed or unsuccessful correction of testicular position. Impaired Leydig cell function is likely to contribute to compromised fertility. These observations support correction of cryptorchidism during early infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Rohayem
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical Andrology, University of Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, D-48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Alessandra Luberto
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical Andrology, University of Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, D-48149, Muenster, Germany
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Università, 4, 41121, Modena, MO, Italy
| | - Eberhard Nieschlag
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical Andrology, University of Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, D-48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Michael Zitzmann
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical Andrology, University of Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, D-48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical Andrology, University of Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, D-48149, Muenster, Germany.
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El Bardisi H, Majzoub A, Al Said S, Alnawasra H, Dabbous Z, Arafa M. Sexual dysfunction in Klinefelter's syndrome patients. Andrologia 2016; 49. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- H. El Bardisi
- Department of Urology; Hamad Medical Corporation; Doha Qatar
| | - A. Majzoub
- Department of Urology; Hamad Medical Corporation; Doha Qatar
- Department of Urology; Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute; Cleveland Clinic Foundation; Cleveland Ohio USA
| | - S. Al Said
- Department of Urology; Hamad Medical Corporation; Doha Qatar
| | - H. Alnawasra
- Department of Urology; Hamad Medical Corporation; Doha Qatar
| | - Z. Dabbous
- Department of Endocrinology; Hamad Medical Corporation; Doha Qatar
| | - M. Arafa
- Department of Urology; Hamad Medical Corporation; Doha Qatar
- Andrology Department; Cairo University; Cairo Egypt
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Nistal M, Paniagua R, González-Peramato P, Reyes-Múgica M. Perspectives in Pediatric Pathology, Chapter 16. Klinefelter Syndrome and Other Anomalies in X and Y Chromosomes. Clinical and Pathological Entities. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2016; 19:259-77. [PMID: 25105890 DOI: 10.2350/14-06-1512-pb.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Nistal
- 1 Department of Pathology, Hospital La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Calle Arzobispo Morcillo No. 2, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Ricardo Paniagua
- 2 Department of Cell Biology, Universidad de Alcala, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar González-Peramato
- 1 Department of Pathology, Hospital La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Calle Arzobispo Morcillo No. 2, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Miguel Reyes-Múgica
- 3 Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, One Children's Hospital Drive, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
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8
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Bird RJ, Hurren BJ. Anatomical and clinical aspects of Klinefelter's syndrome. Clin Anat 2016; 29:606-19. [PMID: 26823086 DOI: 10.1002/ca.22695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Klinefelter's syndrome, the most common sex disorder associated with chromosomal aberrations, is characterized by a plethora of clinical features. Parameters for diagnosis of the syndrome are constantly expanding as new anatomical and hormonal abnormalities are noted, yet Klinefelter's remains underdiagnosed and underreported. This review outlines the key anatomical characteristics associated with the syndrome, which are currently used for clinical diagnosis, or may provide means for improving diagnosis in the future. Clin. Anat. 29:606-619, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Bird
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Bradley J Hurren
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
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Chung JM, Lee SD. Individualized Treatment Guidelines for Postpubertal Cryptorchidism. World J Mens Health 2016; 33:161-6. [PMID: 26770935 PMCID: PMC4709431 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.2015.33.3.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptorchidism is a well-known congenital anomaly in children. However, its diagnosis is often delayed for reasons including patient unawareness or denial of abnormal findings in the testis. Moreover, it has been difficult to establish an optimal treatment strategy for postpubertal cryptorchidism, given the small number of patients. Unlike cryptorchidism in children, postpubertal cryptorchidism is associated with an increased probability of neoplasms, which has led orchiectomy to be the recommended treatment. However, routine orchiectomy should be avoided in some cases due to quality-of-life issues and the potential risk of perioperative mortality. Based on a literature review, this study proposes individualized treatment guidelines for postpubertal cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Min Chung
- Department of Urology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea.; Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Sang Don Lee
- Department of Urology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea.; Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
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Beltrán-Frutos E, Seco-Rovira V, Ferrer C, Madrid JF, Sáez FJ, Canteras M, Pastor LM. Cellular changes in the hamster testicular interstitium with ageing and after exposure to short photoperiod. Reprod Fertil Dev 2016; 28:838-51. [DOI: 10.1071/rd14117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the cellular changes that occur in the hamster testicular interstitium in two very different physiological situations involving testicular involution: ageing and exposure to a short photoperiod. The animals were divided into an ‘age group’ with three subgroups – young, adult and old animals – and a ‘regressed group’ with animals subjected to a short photoperiod. The testicular interstitium was characterised by light and electron microscopy. Interstitial cells were studied histochemically with regard to their proliferation, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP in situ nick end labelling (TUNEL+) and testosterone synthetic activity. We identified two types of Leydig cell: Type A cells showed a normal morphology, while Type B cells appeared necrotic. With ageing, pericyte proliferation decreased but there was no variation in the index of TUNEL-positive Leydig cells. In the regressed group, pericyte proliferation was greater and TUNEL-positive cells were not observed in the interstitium. The testicular interstitium suffered few ultrastructural changes during ageing and necrotic Leydig cells were observed. In contrast, an ultrastructural involution of Leydig cells with no necrosis was observed in the regressed group. In conclusion, the testicular interstitium of Mesocricetus auratus showed different cellular changes in the two groups (age and regressed), probably due to the irreversible nature of ageing and the reversible character of changes induced by short photoperiod.
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Nistal M, Paniagua R, González-Peramato P, Reyes-Múgica M. Perspectives in Pediatric Pathology, Chapter 10. Ectopic and Heterotopic Tissues in the Testis. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2015; 18:446-57. [PMID: 25105225 DOI: 10.2350/14-04-1469-pb.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Nistal
- 1 Pathology, Hospital La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Calle Arzobispo Morcillo #2, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Ricardo Paniagua
- 2 Department of Cell Biology, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar González-Peramato
- 1 Pathology, Hospital La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Calle Arzobispo Morcillo #2, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Miguel Reyes-Múgica
- 3 Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, One Children's Hospital Drive, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
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Macrophages and Leydig cells in testicular biopsies of azoospermic men. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:828697. [PMID: 24895614 PMCID: PMC4026851 DOI: 10.1155/2014/828697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Revised: 03/16/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A number of studies have indicated that testicular macrophages play an important role in regulating steroidogenesis of Leydig cells and maintain homeostasis within the testis. The current paper deals with macrophages (CD68 positive cells) and Leydig cells in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). Methods employed included histological analysis on semi- and ultrathin sections, immunohistochemistry, morphometry, and hormone analysis in the blood serum. Histological analysis pointed out certain structural changes of macrophages and Leydig cells in NOA group of patients when compared to controls. In the testis interstitium, an increased presence of CD68 positive cells has been noted. Leydig cells in NOA patients displayed a kind of a mosaic picture across the same bioptic sample: both normal and damaged Leydig cells with pronounced vacuolisation and various intensity of expression of testosterone have been observed. Stereological analysis indicated a significant increase in volume density of both CD68 positive and vacuolated Leydig cells and a positive correlation between the volume densities of these cell types. The continuous gonadotropin overstimulation of Leydig cells, together with a negative paracrine action of macrophages, could result in the damage of steroidogenesis and deficit of testosterone in situ.
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Martin-Cordova CG, Regadera J, Hernandez A, Cobo P, Nistal M. Immunocytochemical Methods in Cell Cultures for Evaluation of Cell Cycle and Differentiation in Normal and Neoplastic Tissues. J Histotechnol 2013. [DOI: 10.1179/his.1996.19.2.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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14
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Wosnitzer MS, Paduch DA. Endocrinological issues and hormonal manipulation in children and men with Klinefelter syndrome. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2013; 163C:16-26. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Bastida MG, Rey RA, Bergadá I, Bedecarrás P, Andreone L, del Rey G, Boywitt A, Ropelato MG, Cassinelli H, Arcari A, Campo S, Gottlieb S. Establishment of testicular endocrine function impairment during childhood and puberty in boys with Klinefelter syndrome. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2007; 67:863-70. [PMID: 17645574 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2007.02977.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To precisely characterize the chronology of testicular endocrine function impairment during childhood and adolescence in patients with Klinefelter syndrome. Design Retrospective chart review. Patients A total of 29 boys with Klinefelter syndrome with up to 12.3 years follow-up. MEASUREMENTS Clinical features and serum hormone levels were analysed during follow-up. RESULTS Of the 29 patients, 16 were prepubertal and 13 had already entered puberty at their first visit. Fifteen patients were followed up through late puberty. Before puberty, LH, FSH, testosterone, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B were within the expected range in almost all cases. However, levels of the inhibin alpha-subunit precursor Pro-alphaC were in the lowest levels of the normal range in most cases. During puberty, FSH levels increased earlier and more markedly than LH. Inhibin B and AMH declined to abnormally low or undetectable levels in advanced pubertal stages. Although testosterone and Pro-alphaC levels were within the reference ranges in most cases, they were abnormally low for the observed LH values. CONCLUSIONS In Klinefelter syndrome, a mild Leydig cell dysfunction is present from early childhood in most cases and persists throughout puberty. Sertoli cell function is normal until mid puberty, when a dramatic impairment is observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Gabriela Bastida
- División de Endocrinología and Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Cajaiba MM, Reyes-Múgica M, Rios JCS, Nistal M. Non-tumoural parenchyma in Leydig cell tumours: pathogenetic considerations. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 31:331-6. [PMID: 17573846 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2007.00774.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the pathogenesis of Leydig cell tumours (LCTs) of the testis. The observation of several associated dysgenetic features in the non-tumoural parenchyma and in the contralateral testes of men with testicular germ cell neoplasms has served as the basis to propose that there may be a common mechanism for different male reproductive disorders. However, the possible relationship between LCTs and other testicular lesions has not been explored. Here we describe the presence of primary lesions in the non-tumoural parenchyma of testes with LCT, from which we try to establish possible pathogenetic associations. We studied the non-tumoural parenchyma adjacent to 16 LCT specimens. Parameters as Leydig cell hyperplasia (LCHY), qualitative evaluation of the germinal epithelium and spermatogenesis, the presence of Sertoli cell-only tubules (SCOT), and the Sertoli cell nuclear morphology were consistently assessed in all cases. SCOT associated with Sertoli cell dysgenetic morphology was the most frequent finding, present in 50% of the cases. Another interesting finding was the presence of LCHY in four cases (25%). Abnormal spermatogenesis was found in 81.25% of the cases, and it consisted of lesions of the adluminal or basal compartments of seminiferous tubules. The occurrence of either dysgenetic Sertoli cells or LCHY adjacent to LCTs could represent primary anomalies, resulting from a common insult also involved in tumourigenesis. The abnormalities in spermatogenesis observed here are likely to represent consequences of either tumour compression or abnormal hormonal production. The significance of these associations merits further investigation regarding a common pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Cajaiba
- Department of Pathology, Hospital La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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Bernal-Mañas CM, Morales E, Pastor LM, Pinart E, Bonet S, Rosa PDL, Dolors Briz M, Zuasti A, Ferrer C, Canteras M. Proliferation and apoptosis of spermatogonia in postpuberal boar (Sus domesticus) testes with spontaneous unilateral and bilateral abdominal cryptorchidism. Acta Histochem 2005; 107:365-72. [PMID: 16185749 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2005.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2005] [Revised: 07/12/2005] [Accepted: 07/19/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cryptorchidism is a frequent male sexual disorder in mammals, which affects the histology of the tunica propria, interstitial tissue, blood vessels, seminiferous epithelium and testis functioning. In this paper, proliferation and apoptosis were examined in the seminiferous epithelium of both testes from unaffected boars and from boars suffering unilateral and bilateral cryptorchidism. In germ cells, proliferation was studied using the immunohistochemical PCNA technique, and apoptosis was analysed by in situ TUNEL labelling. An index was obtained for the proliferation and apoptosis observed in seminiferous tubules. In abdominal testes the epithelium contained few spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. In the testes of unaffected boars, numerous spermatogonia proliferated, whereas in cryptorchid testes such proliferation was lower and the proliferation/apoptosis ratio diminished. In the unaffected group, the TUNEL-positive germ cells were spermatogonia and spermatocytes in different phases of meiosis. In abdominal testes, the TUNEL-positive germ cells were spermatogonia alone. The apoptosis index of both abdominal and scrotal testes was similar. In conclusion, spontaneous cryptorchid testes showed a lower rate of spermatogonia proliferation in the seminiferous epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen M Bernal-Mañas
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
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19
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Lui WY, Mruk D, Lee WM, Cheng CY. Sertoli cell tight junction dynamics: their regulation during spermatogenesis. Biol Reprod 2003; 68:1087-97. [PMID: 12606453 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.102.010371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
During spermatogenesis, developing preleptotene and leptotene spermatocytes must translocate from the basal to the adluminal compartment of the seminiferous epithelium so that fully developed spermatids (spermatozoa) can be released to the tubular lumen at spermiation. It is conceivable that the opening and closing of the inter-Sertoli tight junctions (TJs) that constitute the blood-testis barrier are regulated by an array of intriguingly coordinated signaling pathways and molecules. Several molecules have been shown to regulate Sertoli cell TJ dynamics; they include, for example, transforming growth factor beta3 (TGFbeta3), occludin, protein kinase A, protein kinase C, and signaling pathways such as the TGFbeta3/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Yet the mechanisms that regulate these events are essentially not known. This minireview summarizes some of the recent advances in the study of TJ dynamics in the testis and reviews several models that can be used to study TJ dynamics. It also highlights specific areas for future research toward understanding the precise physiological relationship between junction dynamics and spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing-Yee Lui
- Population Council, Center for Biomedical Research, New York, New York 10021, USA
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20
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LEE PETERA, COUGHLIN MICHAELT. Leydig Cell Function After Cryptorchidism: Evidence Of The Beneficial Result Of Early Surgery. J Urol 2002. [DOI: 10.1097/00005392-200204000-00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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21
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Lee PA, Coughlin MT. Leydig Cell Function After Cryptorchidism: Evidence Of The Beneficial Result Of Early Surgery. J Urol 2002. [DOI: 10.1016/s0022-5347(05)65241-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter A. Lee
- From the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey and Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael T. Coughlin
- From the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey and Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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22
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Pinart E, Bonet S, Briz M, Pastor LM, Sancho S, García N, Badia E, Bassols J. Histochemical study of the interstitial tissue in scrotal and abdominal boar testes. Vet J 2002; 163:68-76. [PMID: 11749138 DOI: 10.1053/tvjl.2001.0630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The present study describes the glycosidic content of the interstitial tissue in testes from healthy boars and from unilateral and bilateral abdominal cryptorchid boars using lectin histochemistry. The Leydig cells of healthy boars contained glycans with fucosyl, mannosyl, glucosyl, neuraminic acid and galactosyl residues, which have structural and transport functions, and participate in androgen synthesis and in cell regulation. Unilateral cryptorchidism induced high glucosyl and low galactosyl content in the Leydig cells of scrotal testes, resulting in impaired androgen production. In abdominal testes, the Leydig cells exhibited increased amounts of glucosyl and reduced amounts of galactosyl and neuraminic acid residues, resulting in defective cell regulation and lack of androgen synthesis. In healthy boars, the extracellular glycans contained fucosyl, galactosyl, glucosyl and neuraminic acid residues, which confer viscoelasticity on the interstitial tissue and participate in substrate transport, hormone binding and cell-cell interaction. Unilateral cryptorchidism did not induce anomalies in extracellular glycans in scrotal testes, but unilateral and bilateral cryptorchidism resulted in an increased content of fucosyl and galactosyl, and a decreased content of glucosyl and neuraminic acid residues in abdominal testes, leading to reduced viscoelasticity and defective substrate transport across the extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Pinart
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Campus de Montilivi, Girona, 17071, Spain.
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23
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Pinart E, Bonet S, Briz M, Sancho S, García N, Badia E. Cytology of the interstitial tissue in scrotal and abdominal testes of post-puberal boars. Tissue Cell 2001; 33:8-24. [PMID: 11292175 DOI: 10.1054/tice.2000.0145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The interstitial tissue of the testes from healthy boars, and unilateral and bilateral abdominal cryptorchid boars was examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. The left and right testes of healthy boars, and the left (scrotal) testis of unilateral cryptorchid boars had abundant mature Leydig cells, few fibroblasts and mast cells, scarce and small blood vessels, and little lymphatic areas. The right (abdominal) testis of unilateral cryptorchid boars contained abundant Leydig cells, fibroblasts and erythrocytes, scarce mast cells, and frequent blood vessels; Leydig cells exhibited either a mature but degenerative appearance or an immature appearance, and fibroblasts displayed immaturity signs. The interstitial tissue of the left (abdominal) testes of bilateral cryptorchid boars had small blood vessels surrounded by erythrocytes, lymphocytes, and few plasma cells, and abundant mature and immature Leydig cells, immature fibroblasts, and mast cells. Mature Leydig cells showed mid or advanced degeneration, and immature Leydig cells displayed either non-degenerative or degenerative patterns. The right (abdominal) testes of bilateral cryptorchid boars contained scarce immature Leydig cells in advanced degeneration, large fibrous and adipose areas, and blood vessels. These results indicated that unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism affect neither the structural nor the cytologic features of the interstitial tissue in scrotal testes. Unilateral and bilateral cryptorchidism induced abnormal differentiation of Leydig cells and fibroblasts leading to decreased steroid production and increased collagenization in abdominal testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Pinart
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Italy.
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24
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Regadera J, Martínez-García F, Paniagua R, Nistal M. Androgen insensitivity syndrome: an immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and morphometric study. Arch Pathol Lab Med 1999; 123:225-34. [PMID: 10086511 DOI: 10.5858/1999-123-0225-ais] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the morphometric, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural lesions of the testes in prepubertal and adult patients with androgen insensitivity syndrome. METHODS We examined the testicular biopsy using immunohistochemistry for vimentin, smooth muscle actin, and collagen IV antigens. Quantification of seminiferous tubules and testicular interstitium was performed in prepubertal and adult patients with androgen insensitivity syndrome and results were compared with normal testes from both infants and adults. RESULTS The adult testes presented nodular and diffuse lesions that consisted of Sertoli-cell-only seminiferous tubules. Two types of Sertoli cells could be distinguished, namely, immature vimentin-positive Sertoli cells and nearly mature Sertoli cells. In the nodules, the lamina propria was thin and contained a scant number of actin-positive peritubular cells. Leydig cells were hyperplastic. The prepubertal patients showed only diffuse lesions characterized by Sertoli cell hyperplasia, decreased germ cell numbers, and a discontinuous immunoreaction to collagen IV. CONCLUSIONS The testicular lesions in androgen insensitivity syndrome are probably caused by primary alterations that begin during gestation. These lesions become progressively more pronounced at puberty, when the nodular lesion pattern (adenomas) is completely developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Regadera
- Department of Morphology, School of Medicine, Autonomous University, Madrid, Spain
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25
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Pinart E, Sancho S, Briz M, Bonet S. Morphologic study of the testes from spontaneous unilateral and bilateral abdominal cryptorchid boars. J Morphol 1999; 239:225-43. [PMID: 10081151 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-4687(199903)239:3<225::aid-jmor1>3.0.co;2-v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Macroscopical and histological characteristics were examined in both testes from three healthy boars, three boars with unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism on the right side, and three boars with bilateral abdominal cryptorchidism. Abdominal cryptorchidism, unilateral and bilateral, provoked a significant decrease of the weight and volume of the ectopic testes. The scrotal testis of the unilateral cryptorchid boars showed an increase in its volume and weight. Cryptorchidism also induced abnormalities in the histological structure of seminiferous tubules, lamina propria, and interstitial tissue of the abdominal testes. The number of seminiferous tubules decreased; the seminiferous epithelium was constituted by few spermatogonia with an atypical pattern and by abnormal Sertoli cells. The lamina propria showed a variable degree of thickening and collagenization. The interstitial tissue was very developed but displayed a decrease in the Leydig cell population. These abnormalities were more critical in bilateral cryptorchidism than in unilateral cryptorchidism. The scrotal testis of the unilateral cryptorchid boars showed normal appearance, but a decrease of the number of seminiferous tubules was observed. Moreover, the seminiferous tubules showed impaired spermatid maturation. The alterations observed in the abdominal testes of the unilateral and bilateral cryptorchid boars were attributed to defective proliferation and differentiation of Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. The anomalies in the scrotal testis of the unilateral cryptorchid boars were due to disturbances in the Sertoli cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Pinart
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Spain.
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26
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De Miguel MP, Regadera J, Martinez-Garcia F, Nistal M, Paniagua R. Oncostatin M in the normal human testis and several testicular disorders. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1999; 84:768-74. [PMID: 10022451 DOI: 10.1210/jcem.84.2.5480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
The immunohistochemical reaction to oncostatin M (OSM) was studied in normal human testes at different ages (fetuses, newborns, children, pubertal boys, adults, and elderly men), as well as in several testicular disorders including carcinoma-in-situ cells (CIS), germ cell tumors, benign functioning Leydig cell tumor, androgen insensitivity syndrome, Klinefelter's syndrome, and cryptorchidism. Positive OSM immunostained Sertoli cells were only observed in fetuses. In normal testes, intense OSM immunoreaction was found in the Leydig cells of fetuses, newborns, and adults. Leydig cell immunoreaction was weak in elderly men and absent in children and pubertal boys. In some testicular disorders (Leydig cell tumor, cryptorchidism, and CIS), Leydig cell immunoreaction was as intense as in normal adult testes. This immunoreaction was heterogeneous in androgen insensitivity syndrome and was absent in Klinefelter's syndrome and intratubular seminoma. No recognizable Leydig cells were observed in the other testicular tumors. The findings of our study suggest that, in humans, the down-regulation of OSM immunoexpression in Sertoli cells occurs early, and that OSM immunoreaction in the Leydig cells is associated with functionally active and differentiated Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P De Miguel
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
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27
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Abstract
In a review of the testicular and epididymal specimens obtained from autopsies (1,798 men) or surgery (518 men), cystic transformation of the rete testis (CTRT) was found in 20 autopsies and 18 surgical specimens. When both testes were studied (autopsies), the lesion was bilateral. Ultrasonography revealed a widened mediastinum testis showing small hypoechoic areas. Arteriography showed thin or irregularly outlined testicular arteries, and the epididymal artery was lacking or appeared stenosed. Simple CTRT (without epithelial alteration) was found in both testes of 17 autopsied patients (all were elderly men) and in eight surgically removed testes from patients with sarcoma, tuberculous orchidoepididymitis, or hematocele. The most frequent epididymal lesion was bilateral efferent duct atrophy. In three patients, the rete testis presented nodular proliferation of calcifying connective tissue. CTRT with columnar transformation of the rete testis epithelium was observed in both testes from three patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, and in 10 surgically removed testes from patients with testicular tumor, cryptorchidism, or nonspecific orchitis. In cirrhotic patients, the efferent ducts appeared atrophied. In patients with testicular tumors, the efferent ducts were infiltrated by carcinoma in situ cells (CISs) and often contained granular material, cell debris, or hyaline globules. In both kinds of CTRT (without or with epithelial metaplasia), the most frequent seminiferous tubule lesions were tubular ectasia, hypospermatogenesis, tubular sclerosis, spermatogonium arrest, and sloughing of immature germ cells (spermatids and spermatocytes). The mechanism leading to CTRT might be mechanic (compression of the epididymis by an epididymal tumor or a spermatic cord tumor, or the result of a long-standing epididymitis or traumatic hemocele); ischemic (autopsied elderly men); hormonal (cirrhotic patients); malformative (cryptorchidism); or unknown (the remaining cases).
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nistal
- Department of Morphology, School of Medicine, Autonomous University, Madrid, Spain
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28
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Qureshi SJ, Sharpe RM. Evaluation of possible determinants and consequences of Leydig cell heterogeneity in man. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY 1993; 16:293-305. [PMID: 8276522 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.1993.tb01195.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Leydig cells in the human testis are highly heterogeneous, consisting of variably staining light and dark cells. The basis for this difference is unknown. The present study has assessed whether differing numbers or proportions of dark and light Leydig cells are related: (1) to the pronounced inter-individual variation in testosterone production by isolated Leydig cells, and (2) to differences in structural composition of the testis. Testes (paired weight 6.6-59.48 g) were obtained from 27 men aged 72.9 +/- 9.5 years (range 54-89 years) undergoing orchidectomy as primary treatment for prostatic cancer. Leydig cells were isolated by Percoll-purification and cultured for 20 h under basal and hCG-stimulated conditions. The proportion of light and dark Leydig cells isolated by this method was shown to reflect their proportions in situ, based on the morphometric analysis of fixed testicular tissue from the same men. Leydig cells isolated from all testes produced testosterone in vitro and responded to stimulation by hCG, though the amounts of testosterone produced varied widely between subjects. Because of the latter, samples were grouped into 'low' (n = 9), 'medium' (n = 11) and 'high' (n = 7) groups on the basis of their testosterone production. These groups did not differ in their age, testicular size or gross testicular morphology, though men in the 'high' group tended to have more total Leydig cells per testis. However, there was no overall correlation between testosterone production by isolated Leydig cells and the numbers of light or dark Leydig cells or their ratio or the total number of Leydig cells per testis. The relationship between the volume of light and dark Leydig cells and testicular composition was also assessed. The volume of both types of Leydig cells was strongly correlated (p < 0.001) with the volume of germ cells, but otherwise light and dark Leydig cells correlated positively with different structures. Thus, the volume of light Leydig cells correlated (p < 0.001) with the volume of blood vessels and of peritubular tissue whereas the volume of dark Leydig cells correlated (p < 0.01) with that of the tubular lumen. These differences could indicate differences in regulation and/or function of light and dark Leydig cells. However, the present data do not support the idea that light and dark Leydig cells may differ in their steroidogenic capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Qureshi
- MRC Reproductive Biology Unit, Centre for Reproductive Biology, Edinburgh, U.K
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29
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Regadera J, Cobo P, Martínez-García F, Nistal M, Paniagua R. 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. Andrologia 1993; 25:115-22. [PMID: 8100125 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.1993.tb02693.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Regadera
- Department of Morphology, School of Medicine, Autonomous University, Madrid, Spain
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30
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Martin R, Santamaría L, Nistal M, Fraile B, Paniagua R. The peritubular myofibroblasts in the testes from normal men and men with Klinefelter's syndrome. A quantitative, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical study. J Pathol 1992; 168:59-66. [PMID: 1453270 DOI: 10.1002/path.1711680111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Martin
- Department of Morphology, School of Medicine, Autonomous University, Madrid, Spain
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