title: Studies of the human testis. XVI. Evaluation of multiple indexes of testicular function in relation to advanced age, idiopathic oligospermia, or varicocele.
abstract: Testicular function was evaluated by morphologic and biochemical methods in 11 infertile men with idiopathic oligospermia, 12 men with varicocele, and 14 elderly men. The results indicate the presence of two separate subgroups with idiopathic oligospermia with distinct endocrine and morphologic parameters and suggest the involvement of different pathogenetic factors for testicular disorders among these four groups. Biochemical indexes provide further confirmation of the validity of the Leydig cell cluster index (number of Leydig cell clusters per tubular section) as a useful evaluation guide. The results support the importance of combined studies of circulating hormones and testicular histologic features in providing insight into spermatogenic disorders. Recognition of etiologic diversity is an essential basis for further efforts to delineate and apply current or new hormonal techniques for therapy.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D013737:Testis / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D013739:Testosterone / Q000378:metabolism; D014646:Varicocele / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D013739:Testosterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone