Carcinoma-in-situ cells in cultured human seminiferous tubules

For the first time, early germ-cell derived tumour cells were studied in an in-vitro system of cultured seminiferous tubules. The intratubular tumour cells not only survived in culture for 7 days but were also able to multiply. Dividing tumour cells were identified in semi-thin sections and electron micrographs by morphological criteria. Additionally, mitotic activity was demonstrated by [3H]thymidine histo-autoradiography. There are numerous reports on cell lines established from solid non-seminomas, but up to now no references to seminoma cell lines or cultures of intratubular tumour cells are available. The culture of seminiferous tubules offers a tool in making carcinoma-in-situ cells accessible for experimental work.     

Paracrine regulation of Leydig cells by the seminiferous tubules

Testes of adult control and unilateral cryptorchid rats were fixed by vascular perfusion. The cell profile area of peritubular Leydig cells surrounding tubules in different stages of spermatogenesis, and the cell profile area of perivascular Leydig cells were determined. The size of peritubular Leydig cells was dependent on which type of tubulus the cells were surrounding. Some peritubular Leydig cells, especially those surrounding stages VII–VIII (88.1 ± 7.1 μm², mean ± SD, n = 6 rats), were larger than perivascular Leydig cells (69.3 ± 5.9 μm²). The size of Leydig cells surrounding stages IX–XIV was similar to that of perivascular cells. In the abdominal testes no spermatogenic cycle was present and the sizes of peritubular and perivascular Leydig cells were equal (63.0 ± 5.1, vs 66.7 ± 7.3 μm², mean ± SD, n = 5 rats). It is suggested that the tubules and the spermatogenic cycle locally modulate Leydig cell activity and that Leydig cell malfunction in abdominal testes may be due to a decreased stimulatory influence from the damaged tubules.     

Local differences in Leydig cell morphology in the adult rat testis: evidence for a local control of Leydig cells by adjacent seminiferous tubules

In order to test the hypothesis that Leydig cell function in the adult rat testis is influenced by the surrounding tubules, Leydig cell morphology was compared in different types of interstitial areas. Triangular interstitial areas surrounded by 3 cross-sectioned tubules in nearly the same stage of spermatogenesis were chosen for quantitative light microscopy. It was found that the volume density of Leydig cells in such areas was about 30%, except when the surrounding tubules were in stages IX-X or XI-XII, when it was only about 20%. This variation in total Leydig cell mass seemed to be due to a variation in Leydig cell size and not in Leydig cell number. The largest Leydig cell profile area, 118 pL 6 μm² (mean pL SE n = 6 rats), was observed when the surrounding tubules were in stages VII-VIII, i.e. just prior to sperm release. The smallest Leydig cells were seen when the surrounding tubules were in stages IX-X and XI-XII (68 pL 3 and 66 pL 4 μm²). The present results indicate that there may be a Leydig cell cycle in the adult rat testis, which is regulated by the adjacent tubules.     

Carcinoma-in situ of the human testis: Tumour cells are distributed focally in the seminiferous tubules

Summary. The distribution of carcinoma- in-situ was investigated in the longitudinal course of human seminiferous tubules. Serial sections of tubular segments, measuring 9330 μm and 1600 μm in length respectively, were analysed.
The tubules exhibited a local accumulation of tumour cells. Areas with abundant tumour cells followed areas that were free of tumour cells. The original coiled configuration of the seminiferous tubules was reconstructed with the help of a three-dimensional crepe rubber model. The model showed that tumour-bearing tubular segments lay close together, even if they were actually situated far distant from each other in the longitudinal course of the tubule.
Consequently, distant tubular segments can be attached to a common area of the interstitial tissue. This corresponds to the observation that histological sections frequently show clustered CIS-tubules surrounded by tubules exhibiting spermatogenesis. It is a subject for debate whether the interstitial tissue connects tubular segments to functional testicular units.     

Development of stage-specific paracrine regulation of Leydig cells by the seminiferous tubules

The size of peritubular Leydig cells surrounding tubules in different stages of the spermatogenic cycle was determined in 43- and 47-day-old male rats. A stage-dependent variation in the size of peritubular Leydig cells was not present in 43-day-old rats, but by 47 days those Leydig cells closely adjacent to tubules at stages VII-VIII were larger than others. At 43 days of age spermatogenesis had developed up to step 18 spermatids in late stage VI tubules. At 47 days of age the first mature sperm had just been released from the seminiferous epithelium, and consequently the first wave of the spermatogenic cycle was completed. Tubules at stages VII-VIII therefore acquire the ability to influence surrounding Leydig cells when they contain step 19 spermatids. It remains to be shown whether this maturation step is due to inherent maturation of the Sertoli cells or if step 19 spermatids specifically modulate Sertoli cell function.     

Local regulation of Leydig cells by the seminiferous tubules. Effect of short-term cryptorchidism

Unilateral cryptorchism was induced in adult rats for 24 h, and its effect on testicular morphology and intratesticular testosterone concentration after hCG-stimulation were studied. In seminiferous, tubules from abdominal testes an increased number of degenerating germ cells was noted in stages XIV-III of the spermatogenic cycle and Sertoli cells contained an increased amount of lipid droplets in stages XIV-VIII. However, germ cells and Sertoli cells from tubules at other stages of the cycle appeared unaffected. In scrotal testes the size of peritubular Leydig cells varied in phase with the spermatogenic cycle. The largest cells were found adjacent to stage VII-VIII and the smallest adjacent to stage XI-XII. In abdominal testes no stage-dependent variation in the size of peritubular Leydig cells was seen. Perivascular Leydig cells were of equal size in abdominal and scrotal testes. The testicular testosterone concentration following stimulation with a low dose of hCG was significantly lower in abdominal testes. It is suggested that the seminiferous tubules locally modulate Leydig cell function and that the stage specific stimulatory influence from stage VII-VIII is rapidly lost during experimental cryptorchidism.     

Neuron-specific enolase-like immunoreactivity in human Leydig cells

Using the peroxidase anti-peroxidase immunocytochemical technique, neuron-specific enolase (NSE)-like immunoreactivity (NSE-LI) was revealed in Leydig cells of adult human testes at the light microscopic level. Differences in the NSE staining intensity were observed between the individual Leydig cells, separate cell groups within a testis and between the testes of individual patients. Together with the already established substance P-like immunoreactivity (SP-LI), the results obtained provided further evidence for the possible neuroectodermal origin of human Leydig cells and their presumable relation to the APUD- or the Diffuse Neuroendocrine System (DNES).     

Neuroendocrine characteristics of human Leydig cell tumours

Summary. The neuroendocrine nature of a subset of Leydig cells has already been established. The present investigation deals with neuroendocrine characteristics of Leydig tumour cells. A number of neuroendocrine and neuronal markers were demonstrated in Leydig cell tumours of 7 men aged 25–41 years. The following substances were immunocytochemically tested in Leydig tumour cells: the monoamine-synthesizing enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase and aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, the indoleamine serotonin, the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin, the microtubule associated protein-2, neurofilament protein 200, synaptophysin, neuron specific enolase, substance P and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Compared to the normal interstitial cells beyond the tumours, all neoplastic cells showed a significantly weaker immunoreactivity for nerve cell markers as well as for testosterone and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which is usually accumulated by nitric oxide (NO). This provides evidence for a certain dedifferentiation of Leydig tumour cells.
However, these results suggest that tumourous development of Leydig cells does not include loss of neuronal phenotype. Moreover, on the assumption that 'neuronal' Leydig cells exist beside 'non-neuronal' ones in normal testicular tissue, we propose the hypothesis that 'neuronal' Leydig cells can transform to tumour cells.     

A malignant Leydig cell tumor of the testis

A 40-year-old man was referred to our hospital with gynecomastia and painless swelling of the right scrotum. Ultrasonography revealed a 15×10 mm mass with low echogenicity of the right testis. We performed right high orchiectomy. Histologically, Reinke’s crystals and capsular invasion by tumor cells were found. Final diagnosis, the tumor was a malignant Leydig cell tumor of the testis.     

Morphological effects of the catecholestrogens on cells of the seminiferous tubules of Sprague-Dawley rats

Estradiol-17 beta (E2) and the two catecholestrogens 2-OHE2 and 4-OHE2, when daily administered at low doses of 10-40 ng/rat, were cytotoxic to the seminiferous epithelium. The structural changes seen after seven days exposure included abnormal meiotic type II cells with uneven chromosome distribution, the formation of binucleated and multinucleated giant cells, of which many were sloughed into the lumina of the seminiferous tubules. The effect of the 4-OHE2 metabolites were always more pronounced that that of 2-OHE2 or E2. After 21 daily exposures, 4-OHE2 proved to be very toxic, the seminiferous tubules were markedly denuded and numerous giant cells were present in the lumina. The catecholestrogens also caused a significant lowering (P less than 0.02) of testosterone serum levels after eight days exposure. E2 at 40 ng/rat/day had no effect on testosterone production. At these low doses the catecholestrogens did not affect gonadotropin release after eight days exposure. Our results indicate that the morphological lesions could not exclusively be attributed to testosterone withdrawal and that a direct effect on developing spermatids is also indicated.     

A study on budding protrusions of human seminiferous tubules

In order to elucidate the morphogenesis of seminiferous tubular protrusions, histometric, microscopic and electron microscopic studies were performed on the testes of 202 Japanese men, including 117 sudden deaths, 75 hospital deaths and 10 prostatic cancer cases. Protrusions usually occurred at outer convexes of multi-bending tubular portions and were divided into dome, sessile, pedunculated and multi-branched types. Aggregated Sertoli cells were present in dome-type protrusions as a major component, and spermatogenesis associated with active mitoses of spermatogonia was induced with development of protrusions. Protruding walls consisted of inner compact and outer loose layers. Distribution of lipid droplets in Sertoli cell cytoplasm in protrusions was different from those in the original tubules. The incidence of protrusions peaked in the forties and sixties, respectively, in the case of hospital and sudden death cases with underlying tubular atrophy. The findings suggest that tubular protrusions take place as a compensatory reaction for declining spermatogenesis, and therefore, probably represent a regenerative phenomenon in hypospermatogenic testes.     

Neuroendocrine marker substances in human Leydig cells — changes by disturbances of testicular function

Summary. A number of neuroendocrine and neuronal markers were demonstrated in Leydig cells of the testes of 18 men aged between 20 and 81 years. Tissue sections were divided into five groups, i.e. carcinoma of the prostate (control cases; n = 4), seminoma ( n = 8), anti-androgen therapy ( n = 3), oestradiol therapy ( n = 2) and cryptorchidism ( n = 1). The following substances were immunocytochemically tested: the monoamine synthesizing enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase, aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, dopamine-β-hydroxylase and phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase, the indolamine serotonin, the calcium-binding proteins parvalbumin, calbindin and S-100 protein, the microtubule associated protein-2, as well as neurofilament protein 200, synaptophysin, neuron specific enolase, substance P and chromogranin A + B. All these substances were found in Leydig cells of all sections independently of the pathological changes of the testes. Compared with the control cases, all the other groups showed a significantly weaker immunore-activity for all markers. The uniformity of staining among the different antibodies allows the deduction that these neuroactive peptides may belong to a basic equipment of Leydig cells probably stabilizing their function in an autocrine manner. On the other hand, Leydig cells themselves seem to be a stable structural component of the testis, which are not essentially involved in the pathogenesis of the disturbances mentioned above.     

小鼠睾丸消化细胞异体移植重构生精小管的研究

目的:采用免疫缺陷小鼠作为受体,通过对小鼠睾丸消化细胞异位移植后不同时期移植物的研究,观察生精小管重构、生精细胞归巢及精子发生情况。方法:取新生ICR小鼠的睾丸消化成单细胞悬液,将其与Matrigel基质胶混匀后移植于雄性裸鼠背部皮下,术后裸鼠行去势。移植后分别于4、6、8、10周处死5只裸鼠,计算移植成功率,取移植物测量直径,并进行HE染色和免疫组化检测,观察生精小管的重构、生精细胞归巢及精子发生情况。结果:20只受体鼠接受睾丸消化细胞移植后全部存活。睾丸消化细胞移植后10周内可见明显隆起的包块,包块直径由第4周的(3.91±0.71)mm增加到(6.69±0.50)mm,移植物表面有血管生成。对移植物石蜡切片进行HE染色可见生精小管样结构,部分生精小管管腔内可见由精原细胞发育至精子细胞的各级生殖细胞,未见明显精子产生。对8周移植物进行免疫组化观察,可见生殖细胞标志物Mvh、支持细胞标志物Gata4和间质细胞标志物P450Scc表达。结论:新生小鼠睾丸消化细胞移植于裸鼠背部皮下后可重构生精小管,为研究睾丸组织工程及睾丸发育和精子发生过程中睾丸各组成细胞之间的相互作用提供了理想的研究模型。     

Tamoxifen induced multinucleated cells （symplasts） and distortion of seminiferous tubules in rat testis

Aim: To evaluate the effect of tamoxifen citrate on male reproductive system of rat. Methods: Groups of male rats were gavaged with tamoxifen at doses of 200 mg·kg-1·d-1, 400 mg·kg-1·d-1 or 800 mg·kg-1·d-1 in 0.1 mL olive oil for 10 consecutive days. Controls were treated with 0.1 mL olive oil. Rats were anesthetized and killed on d 3, d 15 or d 35 after the last dose. Testes were collected, processed for paraffin embedding, sectioned at 5 μm thickness, stained with H&E and analyzed microscopically. Results: There was a dose-dependent increase in the occurrence of seminiferous tubular distortion with germinal cell sloughing. The highest dose increased the number of multinucleated giant cells on d 3 and d 15. Conclusion: Tamoxifen citrate induces multinucleated giant cells and germinal epithelial sloughing in a dose-dependent manner and these changes are detrimental to male fertility.     

睾丸间质细胞瘤一例报告（附文献复习）

报告双侧睾丸间质细胞瘤并性早熟1例,复习文献并讨论了睾丸间质细胞瘤的发生率、病理、临床表现、治疗和预后。     

体外诱导人脂肪干细胞向Leydig细胞定向分化的研究

目的:探讨体外诱导脂肪干细胞(ADSCs)向Leydig细胞分化的可能性和条件。方法:应用I型胶原酶消化法分离人皮下脂肪组织中ADSCs,原代培养,适时传代。免疫组化方法检测波形蛋白的表达。以人绒毛膜促性腺激素(hCG)不同浓度及不同作用时间进行诱导后,实时荧光PCR检测类固醇激素合成急性调节蛋白(StAR)基因的表达。MTT法测定hCG诱导下的细胞增殖情况。在hCG、DMSO诱导1周后行3β-HSD免疫组化染色,并采用放射免疫法检测其培养上清及细胞裂解液的睾酮水平。结果:ADSCs增殖迅速,ADSCs波形蛋白呈黄褐色阳性表达;ADSCs中StAR基因的表达在一定范围内与hCG诱导浓度的增加成正相关,hCG 10 U/ml达到高峰,该浓度诱导1周内StAR表达随时间延长而增加;hCG诱导增加ADSCs细胞增殖;hCG 10 U/ml、DMSO 3.2×10-6mol/L条件下诱导1周后细胞中3β-HSD免疫组化染色可见胞质呈浅褐色弱阳性,且该条件下细胞裂解液睾酮测定值明显高于其它组。结论:①hCG在一定范围内促进ADSCs的StAR基因表达;②hCG可以促进ADSCs增殖;③在hCG 10 U/ml、DMSO 3.2×10-6mol/L诱导下,人ADSCs有向Leydig细胞分化的可能。     

Flat plastic embedding and precise longitudinal sectioning of isolated testicular seminiferous tubules

Summary. A method is presented for the flat plastic embedding and precise longitudinal semithin sectioning of dissected individual seminiferous tubules. Following standard aldehyde- and OsO₄-fixation, individual resin-immersed tubules are polymerized in an exactly flat position between the plan surfaces of a glass slide and an inverted pre-polymerized resin block. Each embedded tubule thus lies directly at the even surface of the resulting block and can subsequently be sectioned along its longitudinal course. The morphology of continuous, up to approximately 20 mm-long tubule segments may thus be immediately surveyed by high resolution light-microscopy and, if required, be studied at the ultrastructural level as well.     

Multinucleated spermatocytes and spermatids in human seminiferous tubules

The cytology of multinucleated spermatocytes and spermatid giant cells in the seminiferous tubules of men with oligozoospermia and of men older than 65 years has been investigated electron microscopically. Two different processes which are responsible for the origin of multinucleated germ cells have been analysed: Defects of the intercellular bridges (IB): they move apart and thus allow the confluence of one clone's cells to symplasms. The confluence of membranes: within one clone the membranes of neighbouring germ cells are dissolved and thus intercellular bridges are found in the cytoplasm of the resulting giant cells. The spermatid giant cells reveal a new organization of the cell nuclei and the cell organelles. Yet they disintegrate in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules. The appearance of giant cells therefore is an expression of the germ cell degeneration.     

Presence of neuropeptide — Y and its C-terminal flanking peptide immuno-reactivity in the seminiferous tubules of human testis

The presence of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and its C-terminal flanking peptide (C-PON) was described by immunohistochemistry in human testes. The immunopositive material was visualized in the spermatogenic elements of the seminiferous tubules. More NPY occurred in the younger testis and more C-PON in the older ones. NPY positive material was present mainly in the spermatogonia, and in the primary spermatocytes, where C-PON also occurred. The megalospermatocytes, present in aged testis, showed C-PON immunoreactivity. Both NPY and C-PON were present in granular form in the perinuclear zone of the cells. No positive material was detected in the Sertoli cells or in the Leydig cells. It is possible that NPY and its precursor are synthetized within the testis and might play a role in the paracrine and/or autocrine regulation of spermatogenesis.