Lipid and Fatty Acid Composition of Human Testes Removed at Autopsy

Lipid and fatty acid composition of testes removed at autopsy from humans aged 56–89 years was found to be similar to that of testes obtained at orchiectomy from humans of the same age group. It is suggested, therefore, that the use of autopsy specimens for this type of study is valid. Testes removed at autopsy from humans aged 19–53 had lipid and fatty acid compositions not significantly different from the older age group. Histological examination revealed some, but not complete, correlation between the fatty acid composition and the state of the germinal epithelium. Immature testes of infants had an altered lipid composition compared to adult tissue, particularly with reference to lower content of the polyenoic acids. 5, 8, 11 eicosatrienoic and 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19 docosahexaenoic acids. In two specimens of undescended testicles removed from young adults, the tissues were observed to be atrophied and were found to have decreased concentrations of 5, 8, 11 eicosatrienoic and 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19 docosahexaenoic acids. It is suggested that there is a relationship between these two polyenes and the development of the germinal cells of human tissue.