Abstract
Purpose: Germ cell differentiation, DNA synthesis, and apoptosis can be evaluated quantitatively.
On the other hand, an interstitial lesion is difficult to examine. We have focused
on the quantitative analysis of testicular interstitial fibrosis after vasectomy.
Materials and Methods: Forty testicular biopsy specimens from twenty consecutive men were obtained at vasovasostomy.
Johnsen's mean score was calculated from testicular biopsy specimens. Percent of interstitial
fibrosis was determined quantitatively by the NIH-Image after Masson-trichrome staining.
Results: A significant increase in interstitial fibrosis was observed along with the obstructive
interval (p < 0.001). Johnsen's mean score count did not associate with the obstructive
interval. Conclusion: Interstitial lesions of testicular physiology and pathophysiology can be evaluated
using the NIH-Image. Interstitial fibrosis, but not the intraseminiferous status,
reflects the irreversible damage of vasectomized testes.
Key words
Vasectomy - testis - fibrosis - human
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Koji Shiraishi
Department of Urology and Hemodialysis Center · Onoda City Hospital
1863-1 Higashi-Takatomari
Onoda
Yamaguchi 756-0094
Japan
Phone: +81-836-83-2355
Fax: +81-836-83-0377
Email: sirakkkay@rapid.ocn.ne.jp