title: DNA flow-cytometric, histological and hormonal analysis of sertoli cell only syndrome (SECOS).
abstract: Sertoli cell only syndrome (SECOS) was identified on histology in 21 cases (16,28%) among 129 testicular biopsies performed in our department for azoospermia over the last 5 years. In these patients history, clinical features, hormonal levels, and histological findings were analyzed. In addition DNA flow-cytometric analysis was performed and showed an almost complete absence of haploid cells. All patients presented with elevated serum FSH levels suggesting a Sertoli cell damage or reduced production of inhibin due to the absence of sermatogenic cells. An good correlation was found between histological findings and DNA histograms. In conclusion SECOS is a syndrome of unknown aetiology presenting in men with azoospermia. DNA flow-cytometric analysis is a reliable, rapid and easy method in the diagnosis of SECOS, and can replace histological examination.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, University of Athens, Prof. C. Dimopoulos, Sismanoglio Hospital, Greece.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kostakopoulos
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Protoyerou
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tekerlekis
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Georgoulakis
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Louras
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Goulandris
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D046508:Culture Techniques; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis*; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000473:pathology*; D013577:Syndrome; D013737:Testis / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D004247:DNA