Sertoli cell barrier dysfunction and spermatogenetic cycle breakdown in the human testis: a lanthanum tracer investigation.

Abstract

The introduction of nitrate of lanthanum in fixative solutions for testicular biopsies improves ultrastructural observations of the blood-testis barrier. In complete (normal) spermatogenesis, junctional specializations impede the diffusion of lanthanum into the adluminal compartment. They clearly exhibit a three-storied disposition in orthogonal sections. In maturation arrest, lanthanum passes easily through the junctional specializations surrounding the germ cells and up to the lumen. In irregular hypospermatogenesis, the Sertoli cell barrier is permeable, but diffusion of the tracer is less significant and variable. Unexpectedly, in germ cell aplasia, the barrier remains efficient