DNA-Analysis of Human Testicular Samples by Cytofluorometry

Germ cells in human testicular samples have been estimated by histology and quantitated by flow cytometry. There is an excellent relationship between the two techniques. These samples were classified histologically as "normal", "reduced number of germ cells" or "no germ cells". A definition of "normalcy" as determined by flow cytometry as having at least 38% of the cells in the haploid state, is proposed. Testicular samples from prepubertal boys with infiltrating leukemic cells often show an increase in the percentage of S-phase cells indicating the presence of tumor. These results indicate the value of flow cytometry in the identification of reproductive and neoplastic disorders.