Histomorphologic Changes of the Contralateral Testis in Unilateral Inguinal Cryptorchidism.
- Author:
Jeong Soo PARK
1
;
Sang Don LEE
;
Jeong Zoo LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Unilateral cryptorchidism;
Contralateral testis;
Histology;
Infertility
- MeSH:
Basement Membrane;
Biopsy;
Cryptorchidism*;
Infertility;
Male;
Prospective Studies;
Spermatogonia;
Testis*
- From:Korean Journal of Urology
2001;42(4):427-434
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: The pathogenesis of infertility in unilateral cryptorchidism remains unclear. We studied prospectively to evaluate the cause concerning potential infertility in unilateral inguinal cryptorchidism.Materials and Methods: Between Feb 1998 and July 2000, 30 specimens were taken by ipsilateral undescended and contralateral descened testicular biopsies in 15 unilateral inguinal cryptorchid boys (age range: 1-11 years, mean: 4.7 years). Control testicular biopsies were performed in 5 hydrocele boys (age range: 1-9 years, mean: 5.1 years). We performed histomorphologic analysis including spermatogonia per tubule (S/T) value, Sertoli cell index (SCI), tubular degeneration phase V-VII (TDP V-VII), mean tubular diameter (MTD), and changes of peritubular interstitial tissue (thickened tubular basement membrane and peritubular fibrosis). RESULTS: Testis volume, S/T value, and MTD were significantly different between ipsilateral cryptorchid and contralateral testes. However, there was no significant difference between ipsilateral cryptorchid and contralateral testis in SCI, TDP V-VII, and changes of peritubular interstitial tissue. We found significant difference between contralateral and control testis in testis volume, S/T value, MTD, TDP V-VII, and changes of peritubular interstitial tissue except SCI.Conclusions: Decreased testis volume, S/T value, MTD and increased TDP V-VII of contralateral testis are associated with germinal hypoplasia. These findings may explain the pathogenesis of infertility in unilateral inguinal cryptorchidism.
