Correlation of hormone levels and quantitative histological findings in testicular biopsies

Testicular biopsies of 84 oligo- or azoospermic males with gonades of nearly normal size and without chromosomal abnormalities were studied by morphometric methods. The mean Johnsen score and the results of the morphometric investigations were plotted against the results of the hormone assays (plasma testosterone, LH, FSH, prolactin). High LH and FSH levels showed a very good correlation with the loss of germ cells, the tubular shrinkage and interstitial fibrosis. Plasma testosterone levels, however, did not correlate with any morphological structure of the testicular parenchyma. The Johnsen score and the morphometric findings can to some degree explain the relationship between morphological abnormalities and endocrinological findings.