Number, distribution pattern, and identification of macrophages in the testes of infertile men.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the number, location, and secretory products of macrophages in human testes showing normal and abnormal spermatogenesis.


METHODS
Evaluation of testicular biopsies with the use of immunohistochemistry, laser capture microdissection, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.


METHODS
University research and clinical institutes.


METHODS
Infertile men with germ cell arrest (n = 10), Sertoli cell only (n = 8), or mixed atrophy (n = 7) syndromes, and with cases of idiopathic infertility showing normal spermatogenesis (n = 8).


METHODS
Diagnostic testicular biopsy was performed on participants.


METHODS
We recorded the location, number, distribution, and cytokine expression of human testicular macrophages.


RESULTS
CD68-positive macrophages were found in the testes of all groups analyzed. These macrophages expressed the genes for interleukin 1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and were located in the interstitium, tubular wall, and tubular lumen. In Sertoli cell only and germ cell arrest syndromes, the overall macrophage number was increased over twofold. In all pathologic states, there was a significant shift of these cells from the interstitium to the tubules.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study suggests that increased numbers of CD68-positive macrophages directly (via phagocytosis) or indirectly (via paracrine actions exerted through their secretory products) are involved in the regulation of steroidogenesis, Sertoli cell activity, germ cell survival, and, in consequence, in the pathogenesis or maintenance of infertility states in the human testes.
Anatomisches Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität, München, Germany.
Mónica B
MB
Frungieri
Ricardo S
RS
Calandra
Livia
L
Lustig
Viktor
V
Meineke
Frank M
FM
Köhn
Hermann Josef
HJ
Vogt
Artur
A
Mayerhofer
D000328:Adult; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000378:metabolism; D015214:Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic / Q000378:metabolism; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D019899:Paracrine Communication / Q000502:physiology; D010587:Phagocytosis; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000378:metabolism; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013737:Testis / Q000166:cytology*; D000098902:CD163 Antigen; D000097382:CD68 Molecule
D015703:Antigens, CD; D015214:Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic; D016207:Cytokines; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D000098902:CD163 Antigen; C067980:CD68 antigen, human; D000097382:CD68 Molecule