Histological alterations in Leydig cells and macrophages in azoospermic men

Abstract

The study aimed to compare the histological features of Leydig cells and macrophages in the testicular interstitium of obstructive versus nonobstructive azoospermia. Thirty-nine azoospermic men undergoing testicular sperm extraction during intracytoplasmic sperm injection were allocated into obstructive azoospermia group (GI) and nonobstructive azoospermia group (GII) which was subdivided into Sertoli cell-only syndrome (GIIA), germ cell arrest (GIIB) and hypospermatogenesis (GIIC) subgroups. Serum LH, FSH and testosterone levels were measured. Ultrastructural changes and the mean number of CD68-positive cells were estimated in the different groups. In GIIA, Leydig cells' processes came in contact with macrophages and showed smooth endoplasmic reticulum dilatation. In GIIB, Leydig cells showed apoptotic changes. Macrophages were commonly encountered in their vicinity demonstrating large number of lysosomes. In GIIC, Leydig cells showed euchromatic nuclei. Macrophages showed expulsion of their lysosomal contents in the interstitium surrounded by apoptotic bodies. The mean count of total CD68-positive macrophages was higher in cases of obstructive azoospermia with nonsignificant differences compared to nonobstructive azoospermia groups. Significant increase in FSH level was detected in GIIA compared to GI. It is concluded that structural interactions might take place between Leydig cells and macrophages in the interstitial tissue of azoospermic men.

Evaluation of immune status in testis and macrophage polarization associated with testicular damage in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia

“…The results of IHC staining showed that CD68+ macrophages were sparsely distributed in the interstitial area of normal testis and near to the basal of seminiferous tubules (Figure 6A); Meanwhile, CD68+ macrophages were in a diffusely infiltrated state in NOA samples (Figure 6A). Consistent with earlier research results, 48 there was no significant difference in the expression of CD68 between normal testis and NOA samples ( p = .5899) (Figure 6B). CD163+ cells with M2 macrophage phenotype were sparsely localized in the interstitial area of normal testis (Figure 6C).…”

A magnetic resonance imaging study in etiology of nonobstructive azoospermia

“…Cells producing steroid hormones, such as Leydig cells have abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Variable histologic alterations of Leydig cells in NOA testes, including increased cell volume or hypertrophic Leydig cells, with abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum and/or abnormal Leydig cells, rich in smooth endoplasmic reticulum may explain the increase of the macromolecular content in NOA 34–36 …”

“…Variable histologic alterations of Leydig cells in NOA testes, including increased cell volume or hypertrophic Leydig cells, with abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum and/or abnormal Leydig cells, rich in smooth endoplasmic reticulum may explain the increase of the macromolecular content in NOA. [34][35][36] It is already known that testicular volume reflects spermatogenic status. Based on a recently published systematic review, testicular volume proved the only significant predictive factor of successful sperm retrieval in NOA.…”

Testicular Macrophages Produce Progesterone De Novo Promoted by cAMP and Inhibited by M1 Polarization Inducers

“…This is the first study to demonstrate that tissue-resident Mø produce sex steroids de novo. Testicular interstitial Mø have a unique niche in interdigitation contact with Leydig cells [ 55 , 56 ] and are constantly exposed to a high concentration of testosterone and cytokines, which regulate steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in the interstitial compartment [ 26 ]. Therefore, P4 production by interstitial Mø is possibly influenced by this niche.…”