Abstract
Hormonal and ultrastructural examinations of the testis were performed in a patient with Down's syndrome. Plasma testosterone was abnormally low, and circulating levels of LH and FSH were higher than the normal range. The administration of HCG resulted in a low response of plasma testosterone. Electron microscopy revealed proliferation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, an increase in paracry stalline inclusions and the absence of Reinke's crystals in Leydig cells.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Hungerford, D. A., Mellman, W. J., Balaban, G. B., Labadie, G. U., Messatzzia, L. R., Haller, G.: Chromosome structure and function in man. III. Pachytene analysis and identification of the supernumerary chromosome in a case of Down's syndrome.Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 67, 221 (1970).
Schroder, J., Lydecken, K., de la Chapelle, A.: Meiosis and spermatogenesis in G-trisomic males.Humangenetik, 13, 15 (1971).
Shakkebek, N. E., Hulten, M., Philip, J.: Quantification of human seminiferous epithelium. IV. Histological studies in 17 men with numerical and structural autosomal aberrations.Acta Path. Microbiol. Scand., A81, 112 (1973).
Johannisson, R., Gropp, A., Winking, H., Coerdt, W., Behder, H., Schwinger, E.: Down's syndrome in the male. Reproductive pathology and meiotic studies.Hum. Genet., 63, 132 (1983).
Karnovsky, M. J.: A formaldehyde-glutaraldehyde fixative of high osmolality for use in electron microscopy.J. Cell Biol., 27, 137A (1965).
saba, P., Gamgassi, G., Novi, A. M., Luisi, M.: Electron microscopy of the Leydig cells and hormone assays in Klinefelter's syndrome.Endokrinologie, 55, 129 (1969).
Mor, C. M., Ben-Bassat, M., Leida, S.: Leydig's and Sertoli cells. Their fine structure in three cases of Klinefelter's syndrome.Arch. Pathol. Lab. Med., 106, 228 (1982).
Smith, B. D., Leeson, C. R., Bunge, R. G.: Microscopic appearance of the gonads in postpubertal testicular feminization.Invest. Urol., 5, 58 (1967).
Schulze, C.: Sertoli cells and Leydig cells in man.Adv. Anat. Embryol. Cell Biol., 88, 1 (1984).
Hadziselimovic, F., Herzog, B., Seguchi, H.: Surgical correction of cryptorchism at 2 years. Electron microscopic and morphometric investigations.J. Pediatr. Surg., 10, 19 (1975).
Gotoh, M., Miyake, K., Mitsuye, H., Hoshino, T., Yamada, K.: Cytoplasmic inclusion bodies in Leydig cells from the testes of postpubertal cryptorchid patients.Int. J. Androl., 6, 221 (1983).
Mori, H., Fukushima, R., Fujii, M., Hataji, K., Shiraishi, T., Matsumoto, K.: Stereological analysis of Reinke's crystals in human Leydig cells.Virchows Arch. [A] Path. Anat. Histol., 380, 1 (1978).
Kovacs, K., Singer, W., Casal, G.: Leydig cells—ultrastructure in an XX male.J. Urol., 112, 651 (1974).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sasagawa, I., Nakada, T., Kubota, Y. et al. Ultrastructure of Leydig cells in Down's syndrome. International Urology and Nephrology 27, 587–591 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02564745
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02564745