How is Sertoli cell-only syndrome diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually made based on testicular biopsy findings. Patients can still reproduce with assisted reproductive technology. This activity describes the diagnosis and treatment of Sertoli cell-only syndrome and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in the management of these patients.
How do you identify a Sertoli cell histology?
Histology@Yale These cells have abundant cytoplasm and extend from the basement membrane to the lumen. Sertoli cells have a characteristic oval nucleus with a dark nucleolus. The cytoplasmic contents and blood-testis barrier are better visualized under the electron microscope.
What is Sertoli only cell syndrome?
Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCO syndrome) is a cause of male infertility. In SCO syndrome, only Sertoli cells (cells that nurture the immature sperm) line the seminiferous tubules (tubes inside the testicles where sperm develop). Therefore, there are not any sperm cells present in the seminiferous tubules.
What causes Sertoli cell-only?
The cause of Sertoli cell–only syndrome is not known, but it is thought to result from congenital absence of germ cells due to a failure of gonocyte migration. In some families, however, germ cells were present before puberty but were subsequently lost during or after puberty.
How is non obstructive azoospermia diagnosed?
Azoospermia is diagnosed when no sperm are found in the ejaculate. It is important to note that at least two semen samples should be examined for accurate assessment [5]. In addition, absence of sperm should be confirmed by centrifugation of the semen specimen.
What are the histological features of a testis?
The parenchyma of the testicle is divided into lobules by loose connective tissue bands (septuli testes). These lobules are composed of tubules lined by stratified epithelium composed of maturing germ cells (spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa) and Sertoli cells.
What is the histology of the male reproductive system?
Histology at SIU. The male tract begins with the testis, leads through the windings of the epididymis, then through the vas deferens, past a gland called the seminal vesicle, through the prostate by way of the ejaculatory duct, into the prostatic urethra, and finally through the penis in the penile urethra.
What is Johnsen score?
Johnsen score Johnsen scores use a ten-point scoring system for quantifying spermatogenesis according to the profile of the cells encountered along the seminiferous tubules. A Johnsen score of 10 indicates maximum spermatogenesis activity, whereas a score of 1 indicates complete absence of germ cells.
Which pituitary hormone regulates Sertoli cells?
follicle-stimulating hormone
Explanation: FSH or follicle-stimulating hormone is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. It stimulates Sertoli cells to secrete certain factors, which are required for the spermiogenesis process, i.e. the formation of spermatozoa from spermatids.
How do you identify obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia?
Non obtrusive Azoospermia is a condition where sperms are not present in the semen as sperm production is impaired or abnormal. In obstructive Azoospermia, the absence of sperm is due to blockage in the reproductive tract.
What is AZFc deletion?
Azoospermic factor c (AZFc) deletions are a common molecular cause of spermatogenic failure with a frequency of about 10% in men with non-obstructive azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia (Vogt et al., 1996; Kuroda-Kawaguchi et al., 2001).
Are Sertoli cells regulated by LH?
Explanation: FSH or follicle-stimulating hormone is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland.
Where are Sertoli cells found?
seminiferous tubules
Sertoli cells are present in the seminiferous tubules of the male gonads, the testes. They were first observed in 1865 by a young Italian physician Enrico Sertoli and named after him. Sertoli cells comprise one of the two types of cells in the germinal epithelium, the other being of spermatogonia lineage.
How do you test for obstructive azoospermia?
The obstruction can be caused by congenital, postinflammatory or iatrogenic factors (herniotomy, orchidopexy, vasectomy). Diagnosis includes anamnesis, physical examination, determination of hormone levels (FSH, LH, testosterone), semen analysis and biopsy from both tests.
What is fructose test in sperm analysis?
Semen is tested for the presence of fructose. Fructose is contributed by the seminal vesicle and is normally present in semen. Absence of fructose in the semen, a low semen volume, and a low pH are indicative of an obstruction of the seminal vesicle.
What is AZF region?
Abstract. The azoospermia factor (AZF) regions consist of three genetic domains in the long arm of the human Y chromosome referred to as AZFa, AZFb and AZFc. These are of importance for male fertility since they are home to genes required for spermatogenesis.
What is Sertoli cell-only syndrome?
Sertoli cell-only syndrome, also known as del Castillo syndrome or germ cell aplasia, typically occurs in males between the age of 20 and 40. In this syndrome, only Sertoli cells line the seminiferous tubules of the testis, and the patients have very low or absent spermatogenesis.
Which genetic variants are associated with Sertoli cell – only syndrome?
Genetic variants in the ETV5 gene in fertile and infertile men with nonobstructive azoospermia associated with Sertoli cell – only syndrome. Fertil Steril [Internet].
What is wrong with the Sertoli cells of SCO testes?
They concluded that Sertoli cells of SCO testes express abnormally low levels of GDNF, FGF8, and BMP4 that regulate replication and differentiation of SSCs. Reduced expression of genes that act in vesicular trafficking regulation pathways and proteins that polarize and organize the Sertoli cell plasma membrane.
How is Sertoli cell only syndrome (SCBs) treated?
Sertoli cell only syndrome is best managed by an interprofessional team including nurses and pharmacists. While the diagnosis is not difficult the treatment is unsatisfactory for couples who want to conceive.