title: Studies on varicocele. 1. Submicroscopical and endocrinological features.
abstract: In this study we have selected a group of patients affected by a more or less severe condition of varicocele. After the evaluation of spermatogenesis and sperm function by electron microscopy we have demonstrated that the sperm malformations are mostly due to immaturity. Subsequently we have observed low FSH levels in the blood, concomitant with inhibin high contents, and we have studied Sertoli cells at submicroscopical level. In conclusion we suggest the following mode of action of varicocele in endocrinologically and spermatologically altered patients: varicocele----Sertoli cells----increased inhibin----hypophysis----decreased FSH----decreased testosterone----aberrant spermatogenesis----immature spermatozoa. The research will continue.
authors.affiliation: Institute of General Biology, University of Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Baccetti
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Burrini
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Capitani
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Collodel
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Di Cairano
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Piomboni
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Renieri
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Setacci
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007265:Inhibins / Q000097:blood*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D012661:Semen / Q000166:cytology; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D013076:Sperm Count; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000097:blood; D014646:Varicocele / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D007265:Inhibins; D011388:Prolactin; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D013972:Thyrotropin; D013974:Thyroxine