Abstract
Quantitative analysis of biopsy specimens of the testis represents the most direct indicator of spermatogenic function, whereas conventional microscopical procedures are open to subjective interpretation. In this study, the quantification of germ cell lines by means of flow cytometry was investigated and the results compared to histological findings. We studied 23 infertile men with azoospermia or oligospermia. The percentage of haploid-A, diploid –-D, tetraploid-T compartments was determined for each patient. Spermatogenesis was considered normal, decreased or in complete maturation arrest when histograms showed A>D>T, D>A>T or D>T>A patterns respectively. Comparing histograms and histological findings, excellent correlation was found in cases displaying absence of aploid cells, while 3 out 7 histograms showing hypospermatogenesis corresponded to normal spermatogenesis on biopsy specimens. Additionally, one case with complete maturation arrest histogram showed hypospermatogenesis on histologic sample. DNA flow cytometry provides a rapid and objective assessment of spermatogenesis in the investigation of male infertility. Importantly, this procedure might also be performed on aspiration biopsy, avoiding the costs and complications of surgery.
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