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PubMed1990

A morphological study of the efferent ducts of the human epididymis.

Efferent ducts of the human epididymis were studied with a light microscope and a computerized three-dimensional image analyser by preparing complete serial sections. The efferent ducts were characterized by a columnar epithelium, which differed both from the cuboidal epithelium of the rete testis and from the tall columnar epithelium of the epididymal duct. Therefore, the junctions of the efferent ducts with the rete testis and epididymal duct could be identified morphologically. Five or six efferent ducts originated from the dilated extra-testicular rete testis, ran in an extremely tortuous manner and transformed into the epididymal ducts in an end-to-end pattern near the border of the epididymal head and corpus. Computerized image analysis confirmed light microscopical findings and demonstrated three-dimensional structures of the junctions of the efferent ducts with both the rete testis and the epididymal ducts.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

The histogenesis of the gonad in rat embryos.

Gonadogenesis was investigated using Wistar rat embryos at 12-14 days after fertilisation. In indifferent gonads, a mesonephric tubule which bifurcates from the mesonephric duct at the upper end of the gonadal anlage ramifies into six to eight branches, the distal portions of which are contiguous, in contact with, or in close proximity to, the coelomic epithelium of the gonadal ridge. After the primordial germ cells reach the gonadal ridge, the overlying epithelium proliferates and clear cells appear in the distal portion of each mesonephric tubule, proliferating and forming cord-like structures. The primordial germ cells appear to enter these cell cords by an amoeboid type of movement. The basal lamina covering the cell cord partially disappears near the germ cells. The germ cells within the cord migrate toward the proximal portion of the cell cord and proliferate in great profusion. From the present observations, it can be concluded that the gonad is mainly formed of clear cell cords originating in mesonephric tubules into which germ cells have entered. The original mesenchymal cells and blood vessels form the interstitial tissue of the gonad. The rete testis and rete ovarii are of mesonephric tubule origin.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Testins are structurally related Sertoli cell proteins whose secretion is tightly coupled to the presence of germ cells.

Previous studies from this laboratory have shown that Sertoli cell-enriched culture medium contained two immunologically and structurally related proteins designated CMB-22 and CMB-23 with Mr of 37,000 and 40,000, respectively. We have now demonstrated that both CMB-22 and CMB-23 are monomeric proteins with the following NH2-terminal amino acid sequences: CMB-22, NH2-TPDPSLDVEWNEWRTKHGKTYNMNEERLKR; CMB-23, NH2-XAPXPDPSLDVEXNEXRTK. These sequences are virtually identical except that CMB-23 has three extra NH2 terminus amino acids of X-A-P. Comparison of these sequences with those in the Protein Identification Resource revealed that they are unique proteins. CMB-22 and CMB-23 are highly concentrated in testes and their levels in this tissue increase with age. Studies using [35S]methionine incorporation and immunoprecipitation demonstrated that Sertoli cells synthesize and secrete these proteins in vitro. Because they seem not to have been isolated previously, are concentrated in and synthesized by the testes, and are structurally related, we propose that CMB-22 and CMB-23 be designated testin I and testin II, respectively. The distribution of these proteins in biological fluids were compared with those of testibumin and rat androgen binding protein (rABP), two other Sertoli cell proteins. The results suggest that testins, unlike testibumin and rABP, are not transported to the epididymis. Although the amount of testins secreted by Sertoli cells in vitro is similar to that of testibumin and rABP, the concentrations in testis and rete testis fluid are several orders of magnitude less than that of testibumin and rABP. These observations suggest that the secretion of these proteins in vivo might be suppressed by germ cells. The fact that 10 times more testins are secreted by tubules from immature rats than by those from adult rats and that there is an increase in the testicular content of testins following a single dose of busulfan, which depleted the germ cells from the seminiferous epithelium, supports this hypothesis. Thus, the secretion of testins by Sertoli cells appears to be tightly coupled to the presence of germ cells; there is an inverse relationship between the amount of testins in the testis and the number of germ cells. These results suggest that testins are unique testicular proteins that can be used to study Sertoli cell-germ cell interactions in the seminiferous epithelium.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1983

Immunopathology of murine experimental allergic orchitis.

Experimental allergic orchitis (EAO) was induced consistently in BALB/c mice by immunization with homologous testicular tissue homogenate emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) providing that the animals had received simultaneously at least 1 microgram of an extract of Bordetella pertussis rich in pertussigen. All animals thus treated developed orchitis and serum antibody to testicular antigens within 20 days after immunization. The lesions were located in testis (100%), rete testis (37%), cauda epididymis (21%), and vas deferens (37%). Ductus efferentes and caput epididymis were only rarely affected. Early lesions in the seminiferous tubules were characterized by peritubular and/or intratubular accumulation of eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages. This was followed by aspermatogenesis. Late lesions included massive necrosis and extensive fibrosis of the seminiferous tubules. Disruption of blood-testis barrier on day 20 was evidenced by the detection of 1) perfused lanthanum deposits between Sertoli cells and surrounding inflammatory cells inside the seminiferous tubules, 2) deposits of endogenous mouse IgG in germinal epithelium, and 3) probable immune complexes (granular C3) surrounding seminiferous tubules. Murine EAO differed from that of the guinea pig in the lack of involvement of the ductus efferentes, the extensive necrosis, the abundant polymorphonuclear eosinophils in the lesion, and the exquisite requirement of concomitant injection of B. pertussis extract.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[Personal experience with peroperative study of testicular blood flow in laparoscopic surgery of varicocele].

Although the authors did not detect in 27 patients operated since October 1996 laparoscopically for varicocele, although the spermatic artery was ligatured a deteriorated blood supply of the testis, they evaluated the blood flow through the spermatic artery in the rete testis by coloured Doppler mapping during temporary peroperative ligature of the spermatic artery. In 14 patients the occlusion did not cause any changes of the blood supply of the testis, in one patient during occlusion of the artery the Doppler signal in the rete testis disappeared, after release of the ligature the blood flow reappeared in the coloured Doppler mapping. The authors conclude that in the great majority of men the blood supply of the testis is ensured by collateral circulation. If the ligature of the spermatic artery is inevitable they recommend to check during operation the blood supply of the testis in the rete testis by dopplerometry.

Humans↗
PubMed1998

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) secretion in prepubertal and adult rams.

The aim of the present analysis was to determine whether anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations in prepubertal plasma or adult rete testis fluid are related to the number or function of Sertoli cells in rams or to the presence of the FecB Booroola gene. Twenty rams from two Booroola crosses, differing in their testicular masses were analysed; in each cross, half of the animals were heterozygous carriers of the FecB gene. The data from rams, during prepuberty and at adulthood during the non-sexual season, were analysed by two-way ANOVA and residual correlations. In 4-week-old intact male lambs, the mean anti-Müllerian hormone plasma concentration was 15 ng ml-1, irrespective of cross, genotype or eCG stimulation; it was significantly negatively correlated with FSH (r = -0.51; P = 0.02; n = 19). In adults, anti-Müllerian hormone was not detectable in plasma and was 0.5 ng ml-1 in rete testis fluid, irrespective of cross or genotype. The total number of Sertoli cells per testis was not related to anti-Müllerian hormone concentration in lamb prepubertal plasma or in adult rete testis fluid. The concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone in adult rete testis fluid was significantly and negatively correlated with the daily production of leptotene primary spermatocytes per testis (r = -0.56; P = 0.02; n = 16). The mean oestrogen concentration in the adult testicular vein was 2 pg ml-1 and was correlated negatively with the rete testis fluid concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone (r = -0.60; P = 0.02; n = 15) and correlated positively with the daily production of leptotene primary spermatocytes per testis (r = 0.53; P < 0.05; n = 19). In conclusion, anti-Müllerian hormone secretion was not correlated with the total numbers of Sertoli cells per testis and cannot be used as a predictor of the number of Sertoli cells. Anti-Müllerian hormone secretions were not affected by the presence of FecB gene. However, anti-Müllerian hormone secretion could be considered to be inversely related to the daily production of primary spermatocytes by the testis.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1989

Penetration of ethanol into the male reproductive tract.

We studied the pharmacokinetics of ethanol in the rat rete testis fluid, interstitial fluid, seminiferous tubules, epididymal fluid, and whole testis after 0.75 g/kg and 1.5 g/kg intraperitoneal injections. Ethanol concentration in these tissues was compared to that in capillary and arterial blood. The data was characterized by fitting to a mathematical model. The highest ethanol concentrations in orbital capillary blood were measured 10 min after the injections. Ethanol content in testis homogenate and interstitial fluid did not generally differ from that of orbital blood. However, in rete testis fluid the highest ethanol values were measured at 60 min by the 1.5 g/kg dose and at 30 min by 0.75 g/kg. Ethanol values before this differed from those of capillary blood and interstitial fluid (p less than 0.05-0.001). In seminiferous tubules, the highest ethanol concentration was reached at 20 min, and ethanol content was in general lower than in orbital blood (p less than 0.001-0.01). Ethanol levels in epididymal fluid were comparable to capillary blood. The transportability factor from the model for rete testis was low, which indicates a barrier of penetration of ethanol from blood. In addition, water contents of testicular compartments were calculated. The area under the curve values of rete testis and seminiferous tubules were approximately 10 and 30%, respectively, smaller than that of interstitial fluid, for example. Therefore, the germ cells are somewhat better protected from ethanol than the interstitial cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

Morphology of the epididymal region and ductus deferens of the turkey (Meleagris gallopavo).

The ductal system of the reproductive tract of the male domestic turkey was studied by gross dissection and light microscopy of paraffin and Epon embedded tissues. The succession of ductules as one passes caudally from the testis was as follows: seminiferous tubules; rete testis; ductuli efferentes; connecting ductules; ductus epididymidis; ductus deferens; receptaculum ductus deferentis; papilla ductus deferentis. Non-ciliated cells of the male tract consisted of squamous and low cuboidal cells of the rete testis, granulated columnar cells lining the ductuli efferentes and connective ductules; agranulated columnar cells which formed the epithelium of the ductus epididymidis, ductus deferens, receptaculum and papilla ductus deferentis; and basal cells which were found in increasing number from the ductuli efferentes to the papilla. The basal cells had a reduced amount of cytoplasm and stained more intensely than the other cell types. Ciliated cells were apparent in the ductuli efferentes and connecting ductules, and these consistently stained lighter than the non-ciliated cells. Non-ciliated columnar cells of the ductuli efferentes and connecting ductules contained chromatophilic granules. Cytoplasmic blebbing into the ductal lumina was found associated with these non-ciliated cells as well as the agranular cells of the ductus epididymidis and deferens. Evidence obtained from this study suggests that the non-ciliated cells of the ductuli efferentes, ductus epididymidis and ductus deferens have a contribution to make to the seminal plasma by apocrine secretion.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Differential expression of estrogen receptors alpha and beta in the reproductive tracts of adult male dogs and cats.

Expression of estrogen receptors (ERs) in the reproductive tracts of adult male dogs and cats has not been reported. In the present study, ERalpha and ERbeta were localized by immunohistochemistry using ER-specific antibodies. ERalpha was found in interstitial cells and peritubular myoid cells in the dog testis, but only in interstitial cells of the cat. In rete testis of the dog, epithelial cells were positive for ERalpha staining, but in the cat, rete testis epithelium was only weakly positive. In efferent ductules of the dog, both ciliated and nonciliated cells stained intensely positive. In the cat, ciliated epithelial cells were less stained than nonciliated epithelial cells. Epithelial cells in dog epididymis and vas deferens were negative for ERalpha. In the cat, except for the initial region of caput epididymis, ERalpha staining was positive in the epithelial cells of epididymis and vas deferens. Multiple cell types of dog and cat testes stained positive for ERbeta. In rete testis and efferent ductules, epithelial cells were weakly positive for ERbeta. Most epithelial cells of the epididymis and vas deferens exhibited a strong positive staining in both species. In addition, double staining was used to demonstrate colocalization of both ERalpha and ERbeta in efferent ductules of both species. The specificity of antibodies was demonstrated by Western blot analysis. This study reveals a differential localization of ERalpha and ERbeta in male dog and cat reproductive tracts, demonstrating more intensive expression of ERbeta than ERalpha. However, as in other species, the efferent ductules remained the region of highest concentration of ERalpha.

Animals↗
PubMed1975

Morphology of the epididymis of the cock (Gallus domesticus) and its effect upon the steroid sex hormone synthesis. I. Ontogenesis, morphology and distribution of the epididymis.

The epididymis of the cock is divided into a main part and an appendix epididymidis. The main part of the epididymis is firmly connected to the testis. The sperm transporting tubes open into the ductus epididymidis along its entire length. The rete testis, as the most proximal part of the epididymis, develops from mesenchym cells. The rete testis connects the tubuli seminiferi with the ductuli efferentes proximales which develop from the Bowman's capsules of the mesonephros. The ductuli efferentes distales develop from the proximal tubules, conducting segments (loops of Henle), and the distal tubules of the mesonephros. The short ductuli conjugentes which open into the ductus epididymidis, originate from the connecting segments of the mesonephros. In the sexually mature cock the rete testis, the ductuli efferentes proximales, and the ductus epididymidis all show an enlargement in the lumen. In the ductuli efferentes proximales and in the ductus epididymidis one can observe a formation of globuli and cell protrusion which lead to a loss of the surface structure of the epithelial cells. The appendix epididymidis and the capsula fibrosa of the adrenal gland are joined by connective tissue. The appendix epididymidis consists of the blindly ending ductus aberrans (the crainal continuation of the ductus epididymidis) and the ductuli aberrantes which open into the ductus aberrans. The blind ends of the ductuli aberrantes end in the capsula fibrosa of the adrenal gland.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

On the androgen microenvironment of maturing spermatozoa.

Adult anesthetized male rats were submitted to in vivo micropuncture of the seminiferous and epididymal tubules and reproductive tract vasculature to obtain fluids for analysis of testosterone, 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone, and androgen-binding protein (ABP). Androgen and ABP concentrations were determined by RIA. The highest concentrations of testosterone (73.14 +/- 5.12 ng/ml) were in testicular interstitial fluid. A significant downhill concentration gradient exists between testosterone concentrations in testicular interstitial fluid and seminiferous tubule fluid (50.24 +/- 2.26 ng/ml); another significant decrease occurs between seminiferous tubule fluid and rete testis fluid (17.85 +/- 2.11 ng/ml). 5 alpha-Dihydrotestosterone concentrations were highest in intraluminal caput epididymidal fluids (58.73 +/- 6.48 ng/ml) as were ABP concentrations (33.30 +/- 2.40 mu leq/microliter). Intraluminal sperm concentrations were also determined, and from these data, fluid reabsorption by the efferent ducts and epididymal tubules were calculated. Eighty-nine percent of the fluid leaving the testis is reabsorbed between the rete testis and caput epididymidis, and 96% is reabsorbed between rete and cauda. It was calculated that large losses of androgen and ABP also occur from the lumen of the excurrent duct system. These losses may be due to metabolism, diffusion from the lumen, or uptake by cells.

Androgen-Binding Protein↗
PubMed1992

[Differentiation and maturation of excurrent duct system of rat testes].

The present study was designed to investigate relations of gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GTP) activities to morphological differentiation and maturation of rat testicular excurrent duct system including rete testis, efferent ductuli and epididymal ducts. Animals used were Wistar rats aged from 3 days to 12 weeks. Histochemical demonstration of gamma-GTP activities was carried out by the method of Rutenburg et al. (1969). Morphological differentiation of the epithelium and structure of the rete testis occurred between 2 and 3 weeks and completed by the age of 6 weeks, which was accompanied by induction and deletion of gamma-GTP activity. Morphological differentiation and maturation of the epithelium of the efferent ductuli and the epididymal ducts became evident by the age of 4 weeks and gamma-GTP was active in both epithelial cells throughout the period examined. Since the maturation of rete testis epithelium was found to proceed as observed as Sertoli cells, the origin and functions of the rete testis epithelium and Sertoli cells are considered to be identical. The simultaneous development of the efferent ductuli and the epididymal ducts suggests that both tissues originate from mesonephric ducts and have similar functions, although mature epithelial cells of both tissues are completely different.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Micropuncture and cannulation studies of fluid composition and transport in the ductuli efferentes testis of the rat: comparisons with the homologous metanephric proximal tubule.

Luminal fluids were collected in vivo by micropuncture and cannulation from the rete testis, efferent ducts and ductus epididymidis of the rat to determine the composition of efferent duct fluids and the rates of reabsorption of water and solutes by the efferent ducts. The concentration of spermatozoa increased by a factor of about 25 from 2.42 x 10(4) microliters-1 in the fluid from the rete testis to 6.00 x 10(5) microliters-1 in fluid at the end of the efferent ducts, indicating that 96.2% of the fluid leaving the testis is reabsorbed from the lumen of the efferent ducts. Most of this reabsorption (70.9% or 33.4 microliters h-1) occurs in the region between the rete testis and the middle of the coni vasculosi, with only 25.1% (11.8 microliters h-1) occurring between the coni and the beginning of the ductus epididymidis. However, reabsorption across the epithelium occurs at about the same rate in both regions, with the proximal region reabsorbing 17.2 microliters cm-2 h-1 (70.9% of fluid entering the region) and the distal region reabsorbing 12.2 microliters cm-2 h-1 (86.1% of fluid entering the region). Consequently, the fluid reabsorption rate for the whole efferent duct system (15.6 microliters cm-2 h-1) is similar to the values for individual regions. The principal solutes in luminal fluids from the efferent ducts are Na+ (137-144 mM) and Cl- (113-130 mM). The estimated sum contribution of Na+, Cl- and K+ to the osmotic pressure of luminal fluids was approximately 80% at each site sampled in the efferent ducts. The osmotic pressure of luminal fluid samples (301-307 mosmol kg-1) did not vary significantly along the ducts or differ significantly from that of blood plasma. The results demonstrate that there is a net reabsorption in the efferent ducts of nearly all the testicular output of water and inorganic electrolytes, and most of the protein, and that, in comparison, the ductus epididymidis is a negligible site of net fluid reabsorption. The results indicate that the ductus epididymidis, rather than the efferent ducts, is the site of accumulation of high concentrations of specific organic compounds like inositol. The efferent ducts are similar to the homologous proximal tubules of the metanephric kidney in that the luminal electrolyte composition (principal solutes Na+ and Cl-) and osmotic pressure remain relatively stable and that fluid reabsorption is close to isotonic and occurs at the same rate as the reabsorption of Na+.

Absorption↗
PubMed2001

Sertoli-stromal cell tumor of the ovary: immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and genetic studies.

The Sertoli-stromal cell tumor (SSCT) of the ovary shows a histologic resemblance to developing or adult testes and is often associated with virilization caused by tumor-produced androgenic hormone. In spite of the unique manifestation of SSCT, detailed characteristics of this tumor are still obscure. The mechanism by which SSCT occurs has not yet been determined. Six SSCTs were studied immunohistochemically, ultrastructurally, and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of sex-determining region Y (SRY) gene and the X chromosome activation state. Immunohistochemically, Sertoli-like cells of SSCT were positive not only for alpha-inhibin but also low-molecular-weight cytokeratin. In control testes, the expression of alpha-inhibin and cytokeratin was limited to a Sertoli cell component and rete testis, respectively. Ultrastructurally, tumor cells composing hollow tubules had an elongated nucleus with deep indentation and annulate lamellae, which are characteristic structures of mature Sertoli cells. In addition, they had studded microvilli on the apical surface and frequent desmosomes, which are structures noted in the cells of rete testis. Histologically, tumor cells of hollow tubules sometimes pouted into the lumen, as did the cells of tubulae rete, entrance into rete testis from seminiferous tubules. All of these findings indicate that some tumor cells of a SSCT show simultaneous differentiation into both Sertoli cells and cells of rete testis. SRY gene was not detected in any cases, and the X chromosome activation pattern was the same as that of the female control.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗
PubMed1980

Dose-dependent inhibition of spermatogenesis in mature rams with exogenous testosterone.

Testicular and accessory sex gland function was examined in 20 mature breeding rams that received graded dosages of testosterone (T) by subdermal Silastic implants or intramuscular injections. Treatments were imposed for 72 days during the normal breeding season. As compared with control rams rams implanted with 20 T-filled Silastic capsules had greatly reduced testes (24%) and epididymides (53%) weights as well as total daily sperm production (3.3%) and epididymal sperm reserves (3.9%). These effects were produced when serum T concentrations were increased four-fold over those of control rams, serum LH was nondetectable and serum FSH was substantially decreased. Testicular weight and total daily sperm production were less dramatically reduced in rams given T (2 x 250 mg/day) by injection. In spite of the high serum T concentrations observed in injected rams, weights of the accessory sex glands were not significantly affected. Treatment with 5 or 20 T-filled Silastic capsules or by injection of T not only suppressed gonadotropin secretion and spermatogenesis but also reduced T concentrations in rete testis fluid. A high correlation (r = 0.94, P < 0.01) between daily sperm production and T concentrations in rete testis fluid was calculated in this study. Results presented herein indicate that 1) treatment of rams with exogenous T affects spermatogenesis in a dose-dependent manner and 2) spermatogenic yield is related to T concentrations in fluid of the rete testis.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Histological study on seminal plasma absorption and spermiophagy in the epididymal region of domestic fowl.

Absorption of seminal plasma and spermiophagy in the fowl epididymal region were studied ultrastructurally and histochemically. Epithelial cells of the rete testis had sparse coated vesicles and rarely showed spermiophagy. Many macrophages in the lumen of the rete testis actively phagocytosed spermatozoa. Nonciliated cells in the proximal efferent ductules had well-developed microvilli, coated vesicles, numerous tubular structures, and lysosomes in their apical cytoplasm. They rarely contained fragments of spermatozoa. Intense alkaline phosphatase activity was observed at the luminal borders of these cells. Ciliated cells had no features indicating active absorption of seminal plasma. Epithelial cells of the connecting ductules and epididymal duct had numerous microvilli, a few vesicles, and small lysosomes. They did not contain spermatozoa. Intense acid phosphatase activity was observed on the luminal and lateral surfaces of the epithelial cells of the connecting ductules and epididymal duct. After injection of horseradish peroxidase into the excurrent ducts, a large amount of reaction product was detected in the vesicles and tubular structures of the nonciliated cells of the proximal efferent ductules. These results suggest that the absorption of seminal plasma occurred mainly in the efferent ductules, and that spermiophagy by macrophages occurred in the rete testis in the fowl epididymal region.

Absorption↗
PubMed1979

The effects of long-term administration of either a crude inhibin preparation or an antiserum to FSH on serum hormone levels, testicular function and fertility of adult male rats.

Adult male rats were given either daily injections of ram rete testis fluid for periods of up to 70 days or injections of an antiserum against FSH every 3 days for 90 days. Compared with the control groups, the rats injected with ram rete testis fluid had lowered serum FSH levels, but only at treatment periods of 30 days and less. The levels of LH and testosterone in serum, testicular fluid secretion, sperm counts, testis weights and fertility were not affected by rete testis fluid treatment. The rats injected with anti-FSH serum exhibited an impairment of fertility which was never complete and evident only after 49 days of treatment. After 90 days of anti-FSH treatment, testis weight and free serum FSH were reduced, but sperm counts, testicular fluid secretion and serum levels of LH and testosterone were not affected.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Inhibin-alpha CD99, HEA125, PLAP, and chromogranin immunoreactivity in testicular neoplasms and the androgen insensitivity syndrome.

We investigated 115 testicular and 3 epididymal tumors and 6 cases of the complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) for the expression of inhibin-alpha, CD99, HEA125, PLAP, and chromogranin, using monoclonal antibodies and standard immunhistochemical techniques. Ihibin-alpha was detected in the neoplastic cells in 27 of 27 primary Leydig cell tumors (LCTs), 1 of 1 metastatic LCT, 6 of 20 Sertoli cell tumors (SCTs), 4 of 5 juvenile granulosa cell tumors (GCTs), and 2 of 5 unclassified sex cord-stromal tumors (USCSTs). Except for 2 choriocarcinomas, the choriocarcinomatous component of 1 mixed germ cell tumor, and a small focus of inhibin-positive syncytiotrophoblast in 1 embryonal carcinoma, inhibin-a immunoreactivity was not present in the neoplastic cells of the 38 remaining testicular germ cell tumors; 11 B-cell and 1 T-cell lymphomas; 1 granulocytic sarcoma; and 1 rhabdomyosarcoma of the testis; 1 adenoma of the rete testis, and 3 adenomatoid tumors of the epididymis. Inhibin-alpha immunoreactivity was present in the Sertoli cells and Leydig cells in 5 testicular hamartomas and in 1 Sertoli cell adenoma in 6 cases of AIS; both Sertoli and Leydig cells were also positive in the extranodular testicular parenchyma present in 2 of these cases. CD99 was detected in 10 of 15 primary LCTs, 1 of 7 SCTs, 3 of 5 JGCTs, and in 1 of 5 USCSTs but was not found in any tumor outside the sex cord-stromal category. HEA125 immunostaining was not detected in sex cord-stromal tumors; however, 3 of 12 seminomas, 3 of 12 embryonal carcinomas, 6 of 8 yolk sac tumors, and 1 of 2 teratomas were HEA125 positive. PLAP was not detected in sex cord-stromal tumors except for 4 of 15 primary LCTs but was present in most germ cell tumors. Chromogranin immunostaining was present in the sex cord-like element in 1 of 5 USCSTs, 1 of 8 YSTs, 1 of 2 teratomas, and in 1 of 1 rete adenoma, and in normal adjacent rete testis. In conclusion, although inhibin-alpha and PLAP, and, to a somewhat lesser extent, CD99 and HEA125 immunostaining are helpful in the differential diagnosis of certain testicular neoplasms that are difficult to distinguish on morphologic grounds, chromogranin is far less helpful in this context.

12E7 Antigen↗