Effect of testicular capsulotomy on lipid droplets in the seminiferous tubules of rats

Aim: In order to reveal the histochemical alteration that might occur during the processes of the spermatogenic disruption induced by testicular capsulotomy, the location and alteration of lipid droplets in the seminiferous tubules were observed in the present study. Methods: Osmium tetroxide was used to demonstrate the lipid droplets in the seminiferous tubules of capsulotomized and sham-operated control testes. Results: In the seminiferous tubules of the sham-operated rat testes, many small lipid droplets were located close to the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubules. But for the capsulotomized testes, the lipid droplets in the seminiferous tubules had increased in size and number, with many lipid droplets migrated towards the lumen of the tubules. Conclusion: The results indicated that a progressive fatty degeneration occurred in the seminiferous tubules after testicular capsulotomy.     

Adenomatoid tumor of testicle.

A rare case of intratesticular adenomatoid tumor is described. Pathologically and clinically this tumor is associated with the seminiferous tubules and the rete testis. The patient underwent left inguinal exploration to confirm the testicular tumor. A radical orchiectomy was performed. We believe this is the first case of documented intratesticular adenomatoid tumor that did not arise from either tunica albuginea or epididymis. The cytologic origin of adenomatoid tumors and an unusual finding of decreased spermatogenesis with marked atrophy of the testes are also presented.     

Contractility of seminiferous tubules as related to sperm transport in the male

The mammalian testes have several mechanisms to propel the nonmotile spermatozoa in the seminiferous tubules through the rete testis into the epididymis. These include (a) contractions of the testicular capsule and the seminiferous tubules and (b) fluid flow through the excurrent ducts resulting from active transport of fluids and electrolyte into the seminiferous tubules from the extracellular space. The efflux of fluids and sperm from the testis appears to closely parallel spermiation. An increased output of fluid may result from prostaglandins (PGF2 alpha) and possibly oxytocin (not all species respond to oxytocin) as a result of capsular contractions compressing and expelling the fluid from the tubules. Seminiferous tubular contractions do not result from nervous stimulation but are linked to PGs and cyclic nucleotide generation. They are regulated to some extent by androgens and the lesser response of the tubules to 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone compared to testosterone can be explained by their interaction with androgen binding protein and their action on phospholipase A2 activity for PG synthesis.     

Effect of testicular capsulotomy on secretion of testosterone and gonadotrophins in rats

Aim: In order to clarify further the mechanisms underlying the effect of capsulotomy on testicular function, the levels of testosterone, LH and FSH were observed. Methods: Intratesticular testosterone levels and LH, FSH levels in the peripheral blood of normal, sham-operated and capsulotomized rats were detected by RIA. Results: After testicular capsulotomy, there was a progressive reduction in the testosterone level in the testicular venous blood together with a progressive increase in the LH and FSH levels in the peripheral blood from approximately 30 days post-capsulotomy. Morphological changes were observed at 5-10 days after capsulotomy, i.e., far ahead of the hormonal changes.Conclusion: The seminiferous tubular damage after testicular capsulotomy was not caused by the reduction in testosterone, and on the contrary, the hormonal change might be secondary to the morphological alterations. The increase in LH level most likely resulted from a negative feedback influence from the lowered testosterone level, while the increase in FSH secretion may be a feedback signal of the damaged seminiferous tubules. (Asian J Androl 2000 Dec;2:257-261)     

Novel technique for testicular salvage after combat-related genitourinary injury

We report a case of traumatic testicular injury resulting in significant loss of both tunica albuginea and seminiferous tubules. Secondary to the substantial tissue loss, our approach to surgical reconstruction required a certain degree of creativity. The injury was managed by creating a single midline testis with two distinct blood supplies. The use of this novel technique was necessary to achieve closure of the tunica albuginea. This case demonstrates the importance of the use of nontraditional reconstructive maneuvers to avoid orchiectomy, given the potential long-term health issues regarding infertility and androgen production.     

High-magnification observation of seminiferous tubules through the tunica albuginea by two-photon laser scanning microscopy

Testicular sperm extraction is widely used in the treatment of male infertility in cases of non-obstructive azoospermia. Identifying spermatogenetic foci within the testes is critical for testicular sperm extraction. Two-photon laser scanning microscopy (TPLSM) is an autofluorescence-based microscopy technique that allows observation at a cellular level in the depth of fresh living tissues and does not require any histological processing (fixation or staining). The wavelengths previously used have shown no phototoxicity on sperm. We used TPLSM to detect spermatogenetic foci in fresh mouse testicular parenchyma without disrupting the tunica albuginea. Fresh surgically retrieved testes were observed using TPLSM within 1 h after extraction. Contralateral testes for each animal were observed using standard histology. Using TPLSM we were able to observe and measure the diameter of seminiferous tubules through the tunica albuginea, similar to the histological control. Structures within epithelial tubules were also observed, although their nature has yet to be identified. TPLSM is a real-time microscopy technique that could detect spermatogenetic foci.     

The origin of lymphatic capillaries in murine testes

It is known that the seminiferous tubules are bathed in a sea of lymph in mice, which are commonly used in reproductive and immunological studies. Although testicular lymphatic vessels arising from the tunica albuginea can be macroscopically observed in mice, the exact distribution of the lymphatic capillaries remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the distribution of lymphatic capillaries in normal testes by immunohistochemical staining with monoclonal antibodies against lymph vessel endothelium HA-receptor 1 (LYVE-1) and a platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CD31). Moreover, normal lymphocytes were locally injected into the testes of recipient mice, and their migration was investigated with the use of LYVE-1 and CD31. The results showed that lymphatic capillaries were in and just beneath the tunica albuginea but not in the interstitium between the seminiferous tubules. It was also noted that these were abundant in the thickened tunica albuginea adjacent to the epididymis, but they were scarce in the thin tunica albuginea opposite the epididymis. When normal lymphocytes were locally injected into testes, the injected lymphocytes migrated between the seminiferous tubules and then drained into the lymphatic vessels in the tunica albuginea. These results suggest that tissue fluid might drain from lymphatic capillaries that arise just beneath the tunica albuginea.     

Morphometric study on leydig cells in capsulotomized testis of rats

AIM: To further clarify the changes occurred in the testicular capsulotomized rats. METHODS: In testicular capsulotomized and sham-operated rats, the cross sectional area, the nucleus diameter and the number of Leydig cells were morphologically analyzed by the Vidas Image Processing System connected to a microscope. RESULTS: In the capsulotomized animals, the cross sectional area of Leydig cells was gradually increased from 30 days onwards. There was no obvious change in the nucleus diameter of Leydig cells. However, The Leydig cell number was significantly increased from day 30 onwards. CONCLUSION: In rats, testicular capsulotomy may induce hyperplasia/hypertrophy of Leydig cells in the testis.     

Unpredictability of capsulotomy in testicular torsion

Testicular torsion results in irreversible histologic changes in the ipsilateral testis, which may induce alterations in contralateral testicular histology and in fertility. It was hypothesized that these ipsilateral changes could be minimized by splitting the tunica albuginea at the time of detorsion, thus decompressing the testicular "closed compartment syndrome." Unilateral spermatic cord torsion was induced in prepubertal, male Sprague Dawley rats for a period of 0, 4, 8, or 12 hours. At the time of detorsion, capsulotomy was performed on half the animals. The mature rats were killed 35 days after detorsion and the testes examined histologically. Testicular capsulotomy did not alter the significant histologic changes observed in the affected testis following spermatic cord torsion.     

Early Effects of Efferent Duct Ligation on the Rat Rete Testis

Early effects of efferent duct ligation (EDL) were studied in adult rats using histological serial sectioning and electron microscopy.
From 30 min to 3 h after EDL the rete cavities dilated and there was accumulation of sperm and cellular debris. The lumen of the transitional zone, the junction of the seminiferous tubules with the tubuli recti, opened and the Sertoli cell bodies straightened up. The direction of sperm tails in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules near the transitional zone changed suggesting a backflow from the rete towards the seminiferous tubules. These changes progressively increased until 12 h. The distensibility of various parts of the rete was unequal. Likewise, the susceptibility of the junctional zone to pressure effects was related on its structure and position. Early changes in the rete testis and the transitional zone epithelium were fully reversible and seemed to be caused by mechanical influence of flow direction only. No evidence of a valve function of the transitional zone was obtained.     

Conventional versus microdissection testicular sperm extraction for nonobstructive azoospermia

PURPOSE: We established a practical and safe strategy for testicular sperm extraction (TESE) in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia and compared conventional with microdissection TESE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective comparative study 46 patients, including 22 with obstructive and 24 with nonobstructive azoospermia, underwent conventional TESE. Another 100 patients, including 26 with obstructive and 74 with nonobstructive azoospermia, underwent microdissection TESE. Conventional TESE was performed via 3 small 5 mm. incisions in the tunica albuginea. Microdissection TESE was performed by making a 3 to 4 cm. incision in the tunica albuginea under operating microscopy, avoiding the underlying testicular artery. Seminiferous tubules that appeared dilated and opaque were harvested. Sperm recovery rates were compared, as were complication rates assessed by ultrasonographic and endocrinological evaluations. RESULTS: In obstructive azoospermia cases the sperm recovery rate was 100% for each procedure. In nonobstructive azoospermia cases sperm were recovered in 16.7% and 44.6% by conventional and microdissection TESE, respectively (p = 0.0271). In cases of histologically diagnosed maturation arrest the sperm recovery rate was 37.5% and 75%, respectively (p = 0.22585). In cases of the Sertoli-cell-only syndrome the sperm recovery rate was 6.3% and 33.9%, respectively (p = 0.0494). We identified dilated and opaque seminiferous tubules containing spermatozoa under operating microscopy in 22.2% of patients with maturation arrest and in 63.2% with the Sertoli-cell-only syndrome. The complication rate was significantly lower for microdissection than for conventional TESE. CONCLUSIONS: In nonobstructive cases, especially those of the Sertoli-cell-only syndrome, microdissection TESE can effectively retrieve spermatozoa and minimize the risk of complications.     

L-肉碱在奥硝唑所致大鼠睾丸和附睾损伤中的保护作用

目的:探讨L-肉碱(LC)在奥硝唑(ORN)所致大鼠附睾和睾丸损伤中的的保护作用。方法:40只雄性SD大鼠(200～230g)随机均分为5组:①A组:给予0.5%的羧甲基纤维素钠(溶剂)灌胃;②B组:每天给予400mg/kgORN灌胃;③C组:每天给予800mg/kgORN灌胃;④D组:每天给予[ORN(400mg/kg)+LC(100mg/kg)]灌胃;⑤E组:每天给予[ORN(800mg/kg)+LC(100mg/kg)]灌胃。上述各组均连续灌胃20d,末次给药24h后,所有大鼠麻醉后处死,分别取睾丸、附睾,进行称重和HE染色,计算睾丸、附睾系数并观察睾丸和附睾病理组织学改变。结果:①与A组相比,B组睾丸、附睾系数明显降低(P<0.05);而C组睾丸、附睾系数为极显著性降低(P<0.01);D组与A组相比无差异,E组与A组相比有极显著性差异(P<0.01);②HE染色显示,与A组相比,B组睾丸生精小管内各级生精细胞排列基本整齐,部分生精小管管腔内有脱落的生精细胞,附睾管腔中精子数目下降,有时可见散在的生精细胞;C组大鼠睾丸生精小管管腔内均可见坏死脱落的生精细胞,附睾管腔中精子数目明显减少,且有较多的非精子细胞成分。D组睾丸生精小管无明显改变,附睾管腔中精子数目也未见明显下降;E组睾丸生精小管管腔内精子数目减少,可见坏死脱落的生精细胞,附睾腔中精子数目明显减少,并伴有较多的非精子细胞成分。结论:奥硝唑(ORN)可导致雄性大鼠附睾和睾丸病理组织学改变,LC对ORN引起大鼠附睾和睾丸损伤具有一定的保护作用。     

Testicular-sparing microsurgery for suspected testicular masses

OBJECTIVE: To describe a microsurgical technique for removing suspected testicular masses with sparing of the testicular parenchyma, and to describe case studies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six men were referred with testicular lesions (3-6 mm) detected on ultrasonography (US); in one, the lesion was palpable. US showed hypoechoic lesions and in two cases were mixed hypoechoic and anechoic. In these men, the testicular lesion was identified by US before surgery, giving three-dimensional coordinates to facilitate intraoperative recognition. A traditional inguinal incision was used and the funiculus clamped subinguinally without opening the canal. The testicle was isolated after sectioning the gubernaculum testis. In a separate operative field, an equatorial incision of the albuginea was made in a plane orthogonal to the major axis of the testicle, sparing the subtunical vasa. The parenchymal lobuli were dislodged and the seminiferous tubules dissociated, the nodule identified and completely removed, together with approximately 1 mm of surrounding healthy tissue. This technique can also be used for microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (MicroTESE), to retrieve sperm in infertile men. RESULTS: In two infertile men MicroTESE was also performed. Histology revealed one case each of seminoma, Leydig-cell tumour, Leydig cell hyperplasia, atrophy, normality in the incidental forms, and complicated cysts of the albuginea. In the follow-up for infertility reasons, no scarring was observable on the tunica albuginea in the men who had conservative therapy. One year later the patient with seminoma was free of disease. CONCLUSIONS: The increasingly frequent detection of benign testicular lesions, particularly in infertile men, calls for a surgical approach that must be as conservative as possible for the testicular parenchyma. We think that microsurgery should be the first-line technique in small suspected testicular lesions in infertile men.     

Ageing and testicular function in Octodon degus

Summary. The present study analyses cell loss and proliferation which account for the decrease in the number of germ cell populations in the senile male Octodon degus.
This is a good model to study ageing in wild animals, since it has recently been incorporated as a laboratory animal but still has a high degree of genetic heterogeneity, thus representing a situation found in natural systems. The cell loss from pachytene spermatocytes to round spermatids is estimated by cell counts in the cross section of seminiferous tubules. DNA testicular synthesis is measured by scintillation counting and the index of labelling of spermatogonia by radioautography of testes comparing sexually mature young animals and senile animals. Other determinations in both groups are testis weight, thickness of the albuginea and tubular wall, daily sperm production, percentage of depleted seminiferous tubules and nuclear cell diameters of germ cells. The results suggest a decrease in the number of cell population in the senile animals resulting from an increase in physiological cell loss coupled with a decreased proliferative spermatogonial activity. There is also a decreased yield of meiosis in terms of round spermatid production. Lowered testosterone levels both in plasma and testicular parenchymal fluid are found in senile animals. All these senescent changes reflect an altered remodelling activity of the seminiferous epithelium and presumably also of Leydig cells.     

Immunohistochemical observation on luteinizing hormone in rat testes before and after testicular capsulotomy

Aim: In the testicular capsulotomized rats, although there was a significant increase in the luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, the secretion of testosterone remained low. In order to clarify the mechanisms of this phenomenon, the binding of endogenous LH to the testes were observed before and after testicular capsulotomy. Methods: Peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) method was used to detect the binding of LH to the testes in rats. Results: An intense positive staining of LH was found in the Leydig cells of both the normal and sharn-operated control testes. However, at 40 d after operation, the LH immunoreactivity was decreased in the Leydig cells of the capsulotomized testis. By d 60, only very weak positive staining could be observed in these cells. Conclusion: A progressive reduction of endogenous LH binding to the testis occurred in the capsulotomized rat.     

Microsurgical testis biopsy: a novel technique for retrieval of testicular tissue

PURPOSE: In vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection has resulted in a dramatic increase in the need for diagnostic and therapeutic testis biopsies. We developed a microsurgical testis biopsy technique which allows identification of testicular vessels and individual seminiferous tubules. We compare the results of this technique to our prior series of nonmicroscopic biopsies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 226 consecutive patients who had undergone open testes biopsy with or without an operating microscope was performed. Between 1988 and 1994 standard open testis biopsy was performed without a microscope in 119 patients and a single sample of testicular tissue was taken. After 1994 microsurgical biopsy was performed under 6 to 25x magnification in 107 patients, nearly half of whom had multiple biopsies of each testis. The complication rates of the 2 procedures were compared. RESULTS: Scrotal hematoma required surgical drainage in 3 of the 119 standard testis biopsy cases and testis atrophy was noted in 1, for a total complication rate of 3.4%. There were no episodes of clinically detectable testicular atrophy or scrotal hematoma requiring surgical drainage in the 107 microsurgical biopsy cases (p<0.05). In 2 men the microscope allowed identification of larger tubules that contained sperm. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the operating microscope for testicular biopsy allows identification and avoidance of testicular vessels, minimizing complications. It also may allow selection of seminiferous tubules more likely to contain sperm.     

Obstruction of the tubuli recti and ductuli efferentes by dilated veins in the testes of men with varicocele and its possible role in causing atrophy of the seminiferous tubules

Hormone measurements, spermiograms and testicular biopsies studies were performed in young with varicocele. In addition, the testes and epididymides of 27 adults with varicocele were obtained from autopsies. Light and electron microscopic examination of biopsy and autopsy specimens revealed two types of lesions in testes with varicocele: 1) a diffuse lesion consisting of abnormal spermatozoa and spermatid morphology and sloughing of immature spermatozoa and spermatid; 2) focal lesion, distributed irregularly throughout the testicular parenchyma, affecting several small groups of seminiferous tubules. Each of these groups corresponded to a testicular lobule and showed different degrees of tubular atrophy, so that the focal lesions were distributed in a mosaic pattern. The testicular interstitium showed dilated veins and venules, and progressive collagenization. Some testes showed dilated veins in the rete testis, which compressed several tubuli recti and caused tubular atrophy in the seminiferous tubules opening into these tubuli recti. Other testes showed dilated young veins among the ductuli efferentes, and the rete testis channels appeared to be dilated. Among the different etiological mechanisms which have been suggested to for testicular lesions in varicocele, tubular obstruction at the level of either the tubuli recti or the ductuli efferentes might be responsible for lesions leading to testicular atrophy.     

Experimental orchitis induced in rats by passive transfer of an antiserum to seminiferous tubule basement membrane.

A multifocal damage of the testis was obtained when rats were injected intravenously or under the tunica albuginea of the testis with a rabbit antiseminiferous tubule basement membrane serum. The damage was characterized by foci of perivascular and peritubular infiltrates of mononuclear round cells, infolding, thickening, and rupture of the seminiferous tubular wall and different degrees of injury of the germinal epithelium such as, cell disorganization, cell sloughing, and atrophy. Delamination and thickening of seminiferous tubule basement membrane and vacuolization of the Sertoli cell cytoplasm was often observed by electron microscopy. A linear deposit of rabbit gamma-globulin was detected by immunohistochemical techniques along the basement membranes of the seminiferous tubules and vessels. Testicular damage was not detected in rats injected with normal rabbit serum, used as control. In the kidneys of rats injected intravenously with the immune serum, a deposit of rabbit gamma-globulin was detected along glomerular basement membrane. Focal areas of mononuclear cell infiltrates, hypercellularity of glomeruli and thickening of glomerular capillary walls and Bowman's capsule were also observed.     

Cystic testicular lesions in infancy

The present article reports a case 11 month-old infant with a right intratesticular cyst. We analyze the etiology, differential diagnosis and management off all cystic lesions of the pediatric testis. Patient age at presentation, examination features, tumor markers and sonographic appearance may assist in making a presumptive and occasionally definitive diagnosis preoperatively. The differential diagnosis include intratesticular simple cyst, epidermoid cyst, tunica albuginea cyst, testicular teratoma, juvenil granulosa cell tumor-gonadal stromal tumor, cystic dysplasia of the rete testis, cystic lymphangioma, and testicular torsion. Usually enucleation is the best treatment. A thorough understanding of potentially cystic testis lesions in children leads to the best management choices and often to preservation of a substantial portion of the affected testis.     

Effect of testicular capsulotomy on fertility of rats

Aim: To demonstrate the effect of capsulotomy on the fertility of male rats. Methods: Testicular capsulotomy was carried out in immature (21 days) and adult (60 days) male rats. The fertility of them was assessed by cohabitation with proestrus females overnight and 20 days later, the females were examined for impregnation. Morphological changes at the site of the capsulotomy were observed under light microscope. Results: In rats capsulotomized at Day 60, the fertility was gradually depressed and all the rats completely lost their fertility 2 months post - operation. At that time, a partial regeneration of the capsule at the site of capsulotomy was observed. Immature rats capsulotomized at Day 21 were found to possess normal fertility at maturity. The capsulotomy site was almost completely recovered 60 days post-operation. Conclusion: In male rats, testicular capsulotomy at the age of Day 60 will damage fertility. However, when capsulotomy is performed at Day 21. fertility is preserve.