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Composition of fluids obtained from human epididymal cysts
T G Cooper1, S Raczek, C H Yeung
1Institute of Reproductive Medicine, University of Münster, FRG.
Urological Research
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Epididymal spermatocoele fluid contains less protein and glucose than serum but more testosterone. This fluid composition suggests continuity with the rete testis, unlike hydrocoele fluid which resembles serum.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Urology
- Andrology
Background:
- Epididymal spermatocoeles are cystic structures containing spermatozoa.
- Understanding the fluid composition of these cysts is crucial for diagnosing and managing male reproductive conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the biochemical composition of fluid from epididymal spermatocoeles, epididymal cysts, and hydrocoeles.
- To compare the composition of these fluids with serum and peripheral blood.
- To infer the origin and nature of epididymal cysts based on fluid analysis.
Main Methods:
- Fluid samples were collected from five epididymal spermatocoeles, one epididymal cyst, and one hydrocoele.
- Biochemical analysis was performed to determine protein, phosphate, glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, testosterone, and chloride levels.
- Protein composition was also analyzed and compared to serum.
Main Results:
- Spermatocoele fluid was a dilute suspension of immotile spermatozoa.
- Sperm-free spermatocoele fluid had lower protein, phosphate, glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol than serum.
- Spermatocoele fluid had higher testosterone and chloride than peripheral blood, but lacked epididymal secretion products.
- Fluid proteins differed from serum proteins.
- Epididymal cyst fluid (without spermatozoa) had a similar composition.
- Hydrocoele fluid composition resembled blood serum.
Conclusions:
- The composition of epididymal spermatocoele fluid suggests it originates from the rete testis, possibly representing dilatations of efferent ducts or the vas aberrans of the rete testis.
- Epididymal cysts, even without spermatozoa, share a similar fluid composition, supporting a common origin.
- Hydrocoele fluid is distinct and resembles blood serum.