Leydig cell micronodules are a common finding in testicular biopsies from men with impaired spermatogenesis and are associated with decreased testosterone/LH ratio

摘要: To assess the biological significance of Leydig cell 'hyperplasia' in man, distribution, volume, and function were studied patients with infertility or testicular cancer suddenly deceased controls. A total 156 biopsies from 95 18 necropsies 13 controls examined using a semi-quantitative stereological method. In patients, serum concentrations testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing (LH), follicle stimulating (FSH), oestradiol inhibin-B correlated findings on histological examination. clusters more than 15 cells cross-section, for which we proposed name 'micronodules', frequently seen testicles exhibiting Sertoli-cell-only syndrome (SCO), mixed pattern impaired spermatogenesis, complete spermatogenesis combination elevated FSH. Median numbers micronodules per 1.77 mm(2) (four fields vision) these three patterns 6, 4, 3.5, respectively. contrast, only occasionally observed normal gonadotrophin levels (median 1), rare testes = 0, p 0.02). The proportion tissue occupied by increased decreasing spermatogenic capacity. volume testis was roughly comparable irrespective pattern, exception bilateral micronodules, had significantly compared to those without micronodules. number positively LH (r 0.577, < 0.01) FSH 0.595, presence most pronounced hyperstimulated testes, as reflected an LH/testosterone ratio. conclusion, frequent associated decreased ratios hormones gonadotrophins. thus seems be marker failure man.