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Ultrastructural lesions in testes from hyperprolactinemic men
Abstract:
Testicular tissue from eight men with prolactinomas and elevated serum prolactin were evaluated by light (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A semiquantitative assessment of testicular morphology was employed to provide a morphology index for each tissue specimen. Although in each biopsy specimen germ cell exfoliation was evident, as was abnormal structural change in the seminiferous epithelium, there was no apparent correlation with the overall degree of tissue pathology (morphology index) and the serum level of prolactin. All of the tissue displayed variably thickened seminiferous tubule walls which, when viewed by TEM, were composed of thickened laminae propriae and redundant and involuted basal laminae. Likewise, all tubules contained Sertoli cells with overt cytoplasmic degeneration, principally in the apical (adluminal) region of the cell. This was visualized, in part, as a retraction of the apical cytoplasm from periluminal spermatids and degeneration or absence of Sertoli-germ cell junctional specializations. Sertoli-Sertoli cell junctional complexes appeared structurally intact. Leydig cell ultrastructure was typical of normal cells and contained a variable amount of lipid and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. This also was without positive correlation with the overall degree of tissue pathology or level of serum prolactin. Our results demonstrate the variable degree of testicular pathology associated with hyperprolactinemia in man, and suggest that abnormal tubule walls and altered Sertoli cell ultrastructure are consistent findings in this abnormal endocrine condition.
Insights
Men with hyperprolactinemia exhibit testicular pathology, including abnormal tubule walls and Sertoli cell degeneration. These changes occur regardless of prolactin levels, indicating a consistent endocrine-related condition.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Hyperprolactinemia, often caused by prolactinomas, can impact male reproductive health.
- Elevated prolactin levels are known to affect testicular function, but the specific ultrastructural changes are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the testicular morphology in men with hyperprolactinemia using light and transmission electron microscopy.
- To correlate the degree of testicular pathology with serum prolactin levels.
Main Methods:
- Testicular biopsies from eight men with prolactinomas and elevated prolactin were analyzed.
- Light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used for evaluation.
- A semiquantitative morphology index was assigned to each specimen.
Main Results:
- All specimens showed germ cell exfoliation and abnormal seminiferous epithelium structure.
- Thickened testicular tubule walls with altered basal laminae were consistently observed.
- Sertoli cells displayed cytoplasmic degeneration, particularly in the adluminal region, affecting cell junctions.
Conclusions:
- Hyperprolactinemia in men is associated with variable testicular pathology.
- Abnormal tubule walls and altered Sertoli cell ultrastructure are consistent findings in this condition.
- No direct correlation was found between the severity of testicular pathology and serum prolactin levels.