Induced luteolysis in the primate: rapid loss of luteinizing hormone receptors

The molecular mechanisms involved in luteolysis are still unclear in the primate. This study aimed to investigate the effect of induced luteolysis on the ovarian luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor and the steroidogenic enzyme, 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) in the marmoset monkey. Luteolysis was induced in the mid-luteal phase either directly by systemic prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha), or indirectly by LH withdrawal using systemic gonadotrophin releasing hormone antagonist (GnRHant) treatment. The LH receptor was studied by isotopic mRNA in-situ hybridization and in-situ ligand binding and 3beta-HSD expression was studied using isotopic mRNA in-situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Induced luteolysis was associated with a reduction in the expression of LH receptor (P < 0.0001) and 3beta-HSD mRNA, closely followed by a reduction in the LH receptor (P < 0.05) and 3beta-HSD protein concentrations within 24 h. There were no differences in the findings whether luteolysis was induced with PGF2alpha or GnRHant. This study shows that disparate mechanisms to induce luteolysis in the primate result in an identical rapid loss of the LH receptor and 3beta-HSD. In conclusion, induced luteolysis leads to rapid loss of the steroidogenic pathway in luteal cells.      

Semen parameters and testicular pathology in men with testicular cancer and contralateral carcinoma in situ or bilateral testicular malignancies

We evaluated 14 patients with bilateral testicular tumour, one-sided tumour and contralateral carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the testis or testis tumour in single testis with respect to their fertility. We analysed semen parameters, serum hormones [follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone], testicular sonography, testicular volumes and testicular histology prior to further anti-cancer treatment. Ten out of 14 patients showed normal or reduced sperm concentrations, while 4/14 patients were azoospermic. Serum FSH levels showed a significant negative correlation with sperm concentrations in patients with testicular malignancies (r = -0.64, P = 0.025). Testicular volumes revealed a significant positive correlation with semen parameters in patients with testes that were affected by CIS (r = 0.733, P = 0.038). We conclude that even bilateral testicular cancer and/or CIS do not preclude fertility and, therefore, patients should be offered andrological investigation and therapy, including possibly surveillance strategy or the chance for cryopreservation of the semen prior to further treatment in order to preserve their chances for paternity.      

Intracytoplasmic and intranuclear Reinke's crystals in a testicular Leydig-cell tumor diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration cytology: a case report with review of the literature

We report on the cytopathologic findings of a Leydig-cell tumor of the testis in a young adult male with no evidence of endocrine dysfunction. The preoperative diagnosis was based on fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) alone, which was subsequently confirmed on histopathology. The present case was of interest on account of the paucity of literature regarding the cytodiagnosis of this lesion. In addition, the finding of intracytoplasmic lipofuscin pigment and several intracytoplasmic as well as intranuclear Reinke's crystals served to clinch the diagnosis on FNA. Therefore, the use of FNAC, especially in the presence of diagnostic Reinke's crystals, may vitiate the need for more invasive biopsy procedures in the preoperative diagnosis of testicular Leydig-cell tumors.     

Pitfalls in the diagnosis of epithelioid sarcoma presenting in an unusual site: a case report

The cytologic appearance of epithelioid sarcoma in fine-needle aspiration biopsy cytology (FNABC) smears has not been extensively described. We report a case of epithelioid sarcoma in a 55-year-old male who presented with nodular swellings in the abdominal wall and scrotum. The scrotal swelling was subsequently demonstrated to arise from the vas deferens. We highlight the cytomorphologic, immunocytochemical, and histopathologic features of this rare lesion in an unusual site, with particular emphasis on the dilemma encountered in the cytodiagnosis of this lesion.