ISSN:
1573-7330
Keywords:
epididymis
;
ultrastructure
;
epididymal epithelium
;
obstructive azoospermia
;
congenital absence of the vas deferens
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Purpose: Our purpose was to determine the obstructed epididymal epithelium morphometric state and to elucidate the influence of morphometric parameters on the fertilizing ability of aspirated spermatozoa. Methods: During MESA with IVF, epididymal tissue samples were carefully dissected, fixed, and prepared for morphometric analysis. The epithelium of the three regions was studied: head, body, and tail (when present). The total area/luminal area ratio, epithelium thickness, and stereocilium length were measured. Results: We have found significant differences in the total area/luminal area ratio, epithelium thickness, and stereocilium length in obstructed epididymal length 〉4 versus 0.5–2 cm (P≤0.01). Epithelium thickness and stereocilium length were significantly lower when no fertilization was observed in IVF. Conclusions: These results suggest that morphometric data of obstructed epididymis epithelium can be used as a means of explaining the failure of IVF with epididymal spermatozoa.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02070148
