Pathology of the reproductive tract 3 Flashcards
Name the three testicular cell types
- Germ cells
- Interstitial cells (leydig cells)
- Sertoli cells
What is the function of interstitial cells?
Produce androgens (and oestrogens) under the influence of ICSH (= LH)
What are the functions of Sertoli cells?
- Support germ cells in seminiferous ductules
- Secrete androgen-binding protein into ductular lumen and thereby support spermatogenesis
Describe testicular hypoplasia
- Occurs in most domestic species.
- Uni or bilateral with various degrees of severity
- Can be linked to toxins / hormonal imbalances / Zn deficiency / hybrids (mule).
- Often in association with cryptorchid or chromasomal abnormalities eg. XXY (Klinefelter syndrome)
What is the main consequence of testicular hypoplasia?
Lack of spermatogenesis
Define cryptorchidism
Incomplete descent of testis
Describe the features of cryptorchidism
- Abdominal or inguinal
- Bi- or unilateral
- Tumours are more frequent
- Can be enlarged
Abdominal testes are prone to?
Torsion
How will acute degeneration/atrophy of the testis appear histologically?
Hydropic degeneration, pyknosis, multinucleate giant cells, oligo- and aspermia
How are chronic stages of degeneration/atrophy characterised?
Reduced size and progressive fibrosis
Name some causes of testicular atrophy
- Trauma
- Compression
- Circulatory disorders
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Hyperthermia
- Cryptorchidism
- Ionising radiation
- Hyperoestrogenism
- Senile atrophy
Compression atrophy can occur due to?
Traumas
What is the optimal temperature for normal testicular function
20 degrees
How does hyperoestrogenism cause testicular atrophy
Sertoli cell tumours; suppression of gonadotropin secretion by elevated oestrogen
Describe testicular torsion
Rare
Often as a sequelae to orchitis but also idiopathic
Partial vs total
Total = ischaemic necrosis
Inflammation usually occurs due to?
Infection
Describe orchitis and epididymitis causes
Purulent inflammation often due to streptococci, staphylococci, E. coli, Arcanobacterium pyogenes, often abscess formation
What are the ROI for orchitis and epididymitis
Haematogenous-metastatic
Ascending infection
External wounds
What are the two causes of orchitis and epididymitis in horses?
Salmonella abortus equi
Equine viral arteritis
What are the three causes of orchitis and epididymitis in sheep?
- Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis
- Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
- Brucella ovis