PURPOSE: Although retractile testes are frequently found in the pediatric population, there are controversies in the management of retractile testes. We investigated the necessity of treatment for retractile testes by analyzing their histologic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-one testicular biopsies were performed during orchiopexy from 36 boys(range: 1.3-12.9 years, mean: 5.4 years) with retractile testes(11 unilateral, 50 bilateral) and 115 testicular biopsies from 83 cryptorchid patients(range: 0.6-15.0 years, mean: 3.7 years, 51 unilateral, 64 bilateral). Parameters for both Sertoli cell and germ cell were determined in each group. RESULTS: The average tubular degeneration phase(TDP) V-VII were 0.23+/-0.18 for retractile testes and 0.22+/-0.17 for cryptorchid testes and were not statistically different. Both the average sertoli cell index(SCI) and mean spermatogonia per tubules(S/T) value were statistically different between retractile and cryptrochid testes with values of 26.81+/-6.75, 23.04+/-5.85(p<0.01) and 2.96+/-1.33, 0.61+/-0.87(p<0.01), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although S/T value of retractile testes was higher than that of cryptorchid testes, Sertoli cell degenerative patterns were similar. These findings might indicate that retractile testis needs treatment like cryptorchid testis does. However, further investigation is warranted to elucidate whether these changes are normal variations since changes are observed in both Sertoli & germ cells in normal boys as they are aging.
Aging ; Biopsy ; Germ Cells ; Orchiopexy ; Pathology ; Spermatogonia ; Testis*

The effects of both hyperthermia alone and X-ray irradiation combined with hyperthermia on rat testis have been investigated. The histological changes were observed on 15 and 30 days after treatment. There was no histological change of rat testis by hyperthermia alone. The earliest change by x-ray irradiation was the degeneration of the spermatogonia of the seminiferous tubule, which was appeared in 2 gy group. Necrosis of the spermatogonia was severe in 6 gy group and complete atrophy was developed in 8 gy group. With increased dose of radiation, the degrees of changes of tubules was increased. In combined group of X-ray irradiation and hyperthermia, the histological change of the seminiferous tubule was more severe than X-ray alone group. Necrosis and atrophy of the spermatogonia were appeared in 2 gy and complete atrophy of spermatogonia was seen in 6 gy group. Thermal enhancement ratio (calculated at the complete atrophy of the spermatogonia) was 1.3 in this experiment. There was no difference in observation time inverval between 15 and 30 days after each treatment in all groups.
Animals ; Atrophy ; Fever* ; Necrosis ; Rats* ; Seminiferous Tubules ; Spermatogonia ; Testis*

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.
Basement Membrane ; Biopsy ; Cryptorchidism* ; Infertility ; Male ; Prospective Studies ; Spermatogonia ; Testis*

Adult Germline Stem Cells ; Humans ; Male ; Mutation ; Spermatogenesis ; Spermatogonia

PURPOSE: We prospectively evaluated whether the adequate age of surgery in patients with unilateral inguinal cryptorchidism is 1-2 years old. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight specimens were taken from ipsilateral undescended testicles in 28 unilateral inguinal cryptorchid boys(age range: 4-132 months, mean: 20.3 months). Patients were divided into 2 groups: an early group I of 9 cases(7-12 months) and a late group II of 19 cases(13-132 months). Control testicular biopsies were performed in 6 hydrocele boys(age range: 8-36 months, mean: 23 months). The histomorphological changes, 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) were compared between the cryptorchidism and control groups and the adequate age of surgery in the cryptorchid child was evaluated. RESULTS: Testis volume, SCI, TDP V-VII, MTD, and changes of peritubular interstitial tissue, except S/T value, were significantly different between groups I and II(p<0.05). Between group I and the control group, there was a statistically significant difference in testis volume, MTD, and changes of peritubular interstitial tissue(p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings of decreased testis volume, SCI, MTD and increased peritubular fibrosis may suggest that the appropriate timing of surgery in the cryptorchid child is under 1 year.
Basement Membrane ; Biopsy ; Child ; Cryptorchidism* ; Fibrosis ; Humans ; Male ; Prospective Studies ; Spermatogonia ; Testis

Undescended testis is one of the most common anomalies of genitourinary tract in children but optimal time for treatment of it has not been determined still. We examined the changes of seminiferous tubules according to ages in 41 patients with undescended testis which orchiectomy or testicular biopsy were performed in the Department of Urology, Kyung Hee University Hospital during the period from January, 1979 to April, 1985 and following results were obtained. l. The ages of 41 patients ranged from 6 years to 48 years. Of these,36 patients were unilateral and 5 patients were bilateral undescended testis. 41 undescended testes were located in inguinal canal, 2 in high scrotum and 3 above the internal inguinal ring. 2. Mean Tubular Diameter was average 48.5 Um from 6 years to 12 years, 81.2 Um at 14 years and 118.4 Um at 24 years. But in normal group, it was average 95.7 Um from 6 years to 12 years, 2l3.6 Um at 14 years and 229.4 Um at 17 years. So, there was already severe damage in development of seminiferous tubules in undescended testis at 6 years. 3. Mean Tubular Fertility Index was average 19.7% from 6 years to 17 years, 42% at 19 years, average 10.8% from 20years to 30 years and 0% at 48 years. But in normal group, it was 78.0% at 6 years and 100% at I4 years. So. there was already severe damage in formation of spermatogonia in undescended testis at 6 years. 4. The thickness of basement membrane of seminiferous tubules in undescended testis was 2.2 Um at 6 years and increased with age to 9.9 Um at 24 years.
Basement Membrane ; Biopsy ; Child ; Cryptorchidism* ; Fertility ; Humans ; Inguinal Canal ; Male ; Orchiectomy ; Scrotum ; Seminiferous Tubules ; Spermatogonia ; Urology

Prader-Willi syndrome is characterized by such as infantile hypotonia, mental retardation hyperphagia with obesity and hypogonadism. We experienced one case of so called Prader-Willi syndrome associated with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, hypomentia, hyperphagia with obesity and cryptochism. Testicular biopsy revealed predominant Sertoli cells, decreased spermatogonia and edematous stromal tissue.
Biopsy ; Hyperphagia ; Hypogonadism ; Intellectual Disability ; Muscle Hypotonia ; Obesity ; Prader-Willi Syndrome* ; Sertoli Cells ; Spermatogonia

Clinically many patients with non-obstructive azoospermia cannot benefit from assisted reproductive technology for absence of spermatozoa. However, the achievement in the studies of spermatogonial stem cells has brought hope to this cohort. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms of the proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells, in such aspects as related genes, growth factors, and so on.
Azoospermia ; therapy ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Proliferation ; Humans ; Male ; Spermatogonia ; cytology ; Stem Cells ; cytology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical phenotype and genetic characteristics of an azoospermia patient with ring 22 chromosome syndrome.

METHODSWe analyzed the clinical data of an azoospermia patient with ring 22 chromosome syndrome and reviewed relevant literature.

RESULTSThe patient was a short 29-year-old male, with bilateral testes small in size and soft in texture. Seminal examination indicated azoospermia. Chromosome analysis showed the karyotype of the patient to be 46, XY, r (22) (p11, q25). The level of testosterone was low, and the testicular tissue was brittle and easy to break. Pathological microscopy revealed reduced number of Sertoli cells and germ cells in the seminiferous tubules and thinner layers of cells. All the germ cells were spermatogonia. Neither spermatocytes nor sperm cells were found, which suggested complete spermatogenic failure. Mild interstitial fibrosis was visible in part of the seminiferous tubule walls.

CONCLUSIONPatients with ring 22 chromosome syndrome usually represent normal clinical phenotypes. However, this kind of genetic abnormality often induces severe testicular damage and spermatogenic arrest, which may result in azoospermia.

Adult ; Azoospermia ; etiology ; genetics ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 22 ; Humans ; Male ; Oligospermia ; Ring Chromosomes ; Spermatogenesis ; Spermatogonia ; Syndrome

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) play an important role in spermatogenesis and have a unique mode of replication. A single SSC can produce two differentiating cells, or one stem cell and one differentiating cell. The self-renewal and differentiation of SSCs are precisely regulated as relating the niche of SSCs, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, and several signaling pathways. This article reviews the self-renewal and differentiation of SSCs and their regulation mechanisms, which may offer a deeper insight into spermatogenesis and male infertility and pave a theoretical ground for studying testicular tumorigenesis and searching for new potential approaches to the treatment of testicular cancer and other related diseases.
Adult Stem Cells ; cytology ; Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Humans ; Male ; Spermatogenesis ; Spermatogonia ; cytology ; Stem Cell Transplantation