Histopathological and morphometrical study of the human epididymis and testis

Histopathological and morphometrical observations of the epididymis and testis were performed on 159 autopsy cases and 3 surgical materials of orchiectomy. The serum values of testosterone, FSH, LH, and values of intratesticular testosterone were measured in a certain number of the cases. Concerning the epididymis, increasing arteriosclerotic change was observed in the older epididymis. A high incidence of hyalinization of small arteries and arterioles was found in the younger epididymis. Eosinophilic microbodies were seen in the epithelial nuclei of the ductus epididymidis with high incidence in the older age groups. They were thought to be a catabolic compound containing phospholipids and protein resulting from cell degeneration of the mucosal epithelium. The diameter of the ductus epididymidis decreased with age. Inflammatory changes and ensued periductal sclerosis were found in the efferent duct area with an extremely high incidence. Serum values of testosterone correlated with both the age and morphological scoring calculated on the basis of either clusters or individual Leydig cells. Furthermore, testicular volume was inversely correlated with age.