Leydig Cell Function in Oligospermicmen with Varicocele

No AccessJournal of Urology1 Oct 1978Leydig Cell Function in Oligospermicmen with Varicocele David B. Weiss, Luis J. Rodriguez-rigau, Keith D. Smith, and Emil Steinberger David B. WeissDavid B. Weiss , Luis J. Rodriguez-rigauLuis J. Rodriguez-rigau , Keith D. SmithKeith D. Smith , and Emil SteinbergerEmil Steinberger View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-5347(17)57214-6AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract Abstract: We report on the evaluation of Leydig cell function in 16 young men with sperm counts less than 10 million per ml. and with various degrees of unilateral or bilateral varicocele. An in vitro technique of incubation of testicular tissue with radiolabeled precursors was used for evaluation of Leydig cell androgen synthesis. A significant suppression of in vitro testosterone formation was observed in almost 90 per cent of the patients. Circulating testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels were within the normal range. However, when the patients were grouped according to the in vitro testosterone synthesis data a correlation between the circulating testosterone and gonadotropin levels was observed. Sperm motility was highest for patients with highest testosterone synthesis rates. No correlation among the ages of the patients, size of varicocele, degree of oligospermia or histologic appearance of the seminiferous epithelium could be demonstrated. An increased Leydig cell number was observed in testes with highest in vitro testosterone formation. Since testicular volume was lowest in this group this finding could represent a relative rather than an absolute increase in Leydig cell density. No improvement in sperm count or motility was observed after varicocelectomy and no pregnancies occurred. This study shows a disturbance of androgen biosynthesis in testes of men with varicocele and sperm counts less than 10 million per ml. Consequently, Leydig cell function should be evaluated carefully in all Oligospermic patients regardless of the presence of varicocele. Plasma testosterone levels are not sufficiently sensitive tests of testicular function. If Leydig cell dysfunction is diagnosed in men with varicocele medical treatment in addition to varicocelectomy should perhaps be considered. © 1978 by The American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsCited BySu L, Goldstein M and Schlegel P (2018) The Effect of Varicocelectomy on Serum Testosterone Levels in Infertile Men with VaricocelesJournal of Urology, VOL. 154, NO. 5, (1752-1755), Online publication date: 1-Nov-1995.Podesta M, Gottlieb S, Medel R, Ropelato G, Bergada C and Quesada E (2018) Hormonal Parameters and Testicular Volume in Children and Adolescents with Unilateral Varicocele: Preoperative and Postoperative FindingsJournal of Urology, VOL. 152, NO. 2 Part 2, (794-797), Online publication date: 1-Aug-1994.Sofikitis N, Miyagawa I and Zavos P (2018) Re: Should the Testicular Artery be Preserved at Varicocelectomy?, by T. Matsuda, Y. Horii and O. Yoshida, J. Urol., 149: 1357-1360, 1993Journal of Urology, VOL. 151, NO. 5, (1355-1355), Online publication date: 1-May-1994.Bickel A and Dickstein G (2018) Factors Predicting the Outcome of Varicocele Repair for Subfertility: The Value of the Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone TestJournal of Urology, VOL. 142, NO. 5, (1230-1234), Online publication date: 1-Nov-1989.Turner T (2018) Varicocele: Still an EnigmaJournal of Urology, VOL. 129, NO. 4, (695-699), Online publication date: 1-Apr-1983.Rodriguez-Rigau L, Smith K and Steinberger E (2018) Relationship of Varicocele to Sperm Output and Fertility of Male Partners in Infertile CouplesJournal of Urology, VOL. 120, NO. 6, (691-694), Online publication date: 1-Dec-1978. Volume 120Issue 4October 1978Page: 427-430 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 1978 by The American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information David B. Weiss More articles by this author Luis J. Rodriguez-rigau More articles by this author Keith D. Smith More articles by this author Emil Steinberger More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...