STUDIES ON THE HISTOLOGY OF THE TESTES AND THE FRACTION OF URINARY 17-KETOSTEROIDS IN INFERTILE MEN

Abstract

Following results were obtained from histologic studies of the testes and determination of the fraction of urinary 17-ketosteroids in 25 infertile men.
1) Glycogen of germinal cells and sertoli cells decreased or lacked in the seminiferous tubules of which spermatogenesis was impeded.
2) Increase of the collagenous fibers in the second layer of the walls of the tubules brings on the thickening of the walls mainly. When the wall thickens more and more, the collagenous fibers look winding.
3) Three findings such as hyaline degeneration of the media, thickening of the intima and infiltration of leucocytes around the vessel were observed in their testicular histologic figures. The last one was unusual.
4) Mast cells, their cytoplasmic granules reacted positively to the metachromatic stain, increased in company with the multiplication of the intertubular connective tissue.
5) The IV fraction of urinary 17-ketosteroids indicates endocrine function of the testis directly.
6) The absolute quantity of the III fraction of urinary 17-ketosteroids, determinted by the use of 2 step hydrolysis, ran parallel with spermatogenesis.
7) The IV fraction of urinary 17-ketosteroids increased in the case whose seminal finding improved following TDG therapy.
8) Increased Leydig cells of the testis, of which spermatogenesis is impeded, does not respond to gonadotropin therapy, and its endocrine function decreases.
9) The author devised the testicular index, for the method of the objective estimation of the various types of testicular histologic figures.