Disorders in the function of Sertoli cells and arrest in the differentiation of gonocytes in patients with cryptochidism and microlithiasis

Abstract

PurposeThis study aimed to correlate the presence of microlithiasis (ML) in cryptorchidism (CO) patients with the functionality of Sertoli cells and the arrest of gonocyte differentiation. MethodsTesticular biopsies were obtained from 21 inguinal CO pediatric patients and were classified in two groups as follows: patients with ML and those without ML. In both groups, the number of Sertoli cells/seminiferous cords and their functionality were determined, considering the concentrations of inhibin B. In addition, the area and the histological alterations of seminiferous epithelium were evaluated. The arrest of gonocyte differentiation was determined by immunoreactivity to SALL4, AP2ɣ, PLAP and POU5F1. ResultsWe found a statistical correlation between the presence of ML with the alterations in the functionality of Sertoli cells without reflecting in the differentiation of the gonocytes. ConclusionThe study of this population suggests that the association between CO and ML shows a malfunction of the Sertoli cells without necessarily causing arrest in the differentiation of gonocytes in these patients.