Stimulation of interstitial cell growth after selective destruction of foetal Leydig cells in the testis of postnatal rats

Summary Five-day-old male rats received a single treatment of ethane dimethanesulphonate (EDS), and the response of the testis on days 6–10 and 21 was examined by light microscopy and morphometry, supplemented by measurement of peripheral testosterone levels. One day after treatment, foetal Leydig cells degenerated, showing fragmentation, condensation and nuclear pyknosis. Macrophages phagocytosed the foetal Leydig cells resulting in their disappearance by day 7. Destruction of foetal Leydig cells was followed by an arrest of testicular growth in comparison to testes of intact age-matched control rats. In testes of EDS-treated rats, gonocytes and spermatogonia also degenerated, forming pyknotic bodies within the seminiferous cords. In contrast, interstitial fibroblasts and mesenchymal cells showed proliferative activity, which on days 4 and 5 after treatment resulted in peritubular hyperplasia surrounding each seminiferous cord. Thereafter, on day 21 after EDS administration, the previously depressed serum testosterone levels became markedly elevated coincident with the development of many immature-type Leydig cells, of which the total volume per testis was similar to that of Leydig cells in control testes, despite a four- to five-fold difference in testicular volumes. The results indicate that, although EDS destroys the foetal Leydig cells and impairs spermatogenesis, the interstitial tissue exhibits increased cell growth. The latter probably occurs in response to altered gonadotrophic stimulation and/or disturbances in the interaction between the seminiferous cords and the interstitial tissue.     

Abnormal development of the testis after administration of the Leydig cell cytotoxic ethylene-1,2-dimethanesulphonate to the immature rat

Male rats were injected with 50 mg ethylene-1,2-dimethanesulphonate/kg from Day 5 to Day 16 after birth and control rats received injections of the same volume of vehicle. Testes were studied at various times from Day 6 to Day 108 using histochemistry, light and electron microscopy. Fine structural degenerative changes were observed in the Leydig cells and seminiferous tubules of EDS-treated animals as early as Day 6. By Day 11 no Leydig cells could be detected and the interstitia of EDS-treated testes contained large numbers of fibroblast-like cells which formed peritubular collars 3-5 cells thick; the tubules contained Sertoli cells with heterogeneous inclusions and large numbers of lipid droplets. A small number of Leydig cells was found at Day 14 and their numbers increased so that, in animals of 28 days and older, large clusters of Leydig cells were present between severely atrophic tubules. These tubules contained Sertoli cells with few organelles; germinal cells were not observed after 28 days in EDS-treated animals. These results show that EDS destroys the fetal population of Leydig cells postnatally and this mimics the well documented effect of EDS on adult Leydig cells. The seminiferous tubules were permanently damaged by EDS in the present experiments. Tubular damage could have been due to a direct cytotoxic effect of multiple injections of EDS on the tubule before the blood-testis barrier develops or due to withdrawal of androgen support secondary to Leydig cell destruction.     

Origin of regenerating Leydig cells in the testis of the adult rat

Summary Ethane dimethanesulphonate (EDS) was used as a specific cytotoxin to eliminate the Leydig cell population of the adult rat testis. Ultrastructural, morphometric and serum gonadotrophin and testosterone analysis was used to study the response of the intertubular tissue of the testis from 1 day to 10 weeks after EDS treatment. In control animals, the testis contained approximately 28 million Leydig cells and 8 million macrophages. Three to seven days after EDS treatment, Leydig cells were absent and serum testosterone was undetectable. Macrophage numbers increased three-fold by 3 days and returned to pretreatment values thereafter. At 2 and 3 weeks post-EDS, foetal-type Leydig cells (1–2 million per testis) appeared in proximity to perivascular and peritubular tissues, a feature also observed at 4 weeks when numerous such cells (15 million per testis) formed prominent clusters in perivascular and peritubular locations. Between 6 and 10 weeks after EDS treatment, the foetal-type Leydig cells were transformed morphologically into adult-type Leydig cells, they occupied central intertubular positions and their numbers were restored to pretreatment values. Regeneration of Leydig cells was reflected by elevated serum testosterone levels which returned towards the normal range. The results demonstrate the regenerative capacity of the testicular intertubular tissue and indicate a dual site of origin of Leydig cells which initially resemble foetal-type Leydig cells prior to establishing the adult-type Leydig cell population. The morphological pattern of Leydig cell regeneration suggests that in addition to gonadotrophic stimulation, local testicular factors from the seminiferous tubules may stimulate Leydig cell growth.     

Cell-cell interactions in the control of spermatogenesis as studied using Leydig cell destruction and testosterone replacement

This review centers around studies which have used ethane dimethane sulphonate (EDS) selectively to destroy all of the Leydig cells in the adult rat testis. With additional manipulations such as testosterone replacement and/or experimental induction of severe seminiferous tubule damage in EDS-injected rats, the following questions have been addressed: 1) What are the roles and relative importance of testosterone and other non-androgenic Leydig cell products in normal spermatogenesis and testicular function in general? 2) What are the factors controlling Leydig cell proliferation and maturation? 3) Is it the Leydig cells or the seminiferous tubules (or both) which control the testicular vasculature? The findings emphasize that in the normal adult rat testis there is a complex interaction between the Leydig cells, the Sertoli (and/or peritubular) cells, the germ cells, and the vasculature, and that testosterone, but not other Leydig cell products, plays a central role in many of these interactions. The Leydig cells drive spermatogenesis via the secretion of testosterone which acts on the Sertoli and/or peritubular cells to create an environment which enables normal progression of germ cells through stage VII of the spermatogenic cycle. In addition, testosterone is involved in the control of the vasculature, and hence the formation of testicular interstitial fluid, presumably again via effects on the Sertoli and/or peritubular cells. When Leydig cells regenerate and mature after their destruction by EDS, it can be shown that both the rate and the location of regenerating Leydig cells is determined by an interplay between endocrine (LH and perhaps FSH) and paracrine factors; the latter emanate from the seminiferous tubules and are determined by the germ cell complement. Taken together with other data on the paracrine control of Leydig cell testosterone secretion by the seminiferous tubules, these findings demonstrate that the functions of all of the cell types in the testis are interwoven in a highly organized manner. This has considerable implications with regard to the concentration of research effort on in vitro studies of the testis, and is discussed together with the need for a multidisciplinary approach if the complex control of spermatogenesis is ever to be properly understood.     

Testis morphology in rats chronically treated with letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the long-term treatment of rats with letrozole on the testis morphology. The pharmacologically induced estrogen deficiency caused statistically significant decreases of both intratesticular and serum levels of estradiol, and morphological changes in the seminiferous epithelium and in the interstitial tissue of the testes. Six months of treatment resulted in the sloughing of premature germ cells of the seminiferous epithelium into the tubular lumen and in intraepithelial vacuolization. Multinucleated giant cells composed of premature germ cells, conglomerates of various cell nuclei and cell debris as well as irregularities and infoldings of the tubular basement membrane were also seen. Moreover, deep invaginations of the lamina propria with myoid cells were observed. Cells in the interstitial tissue showed changes similar to that observed in aging processes. The cytoplasm of LH-R-positive Leydig cells was loaded with lipofuscin granules. The number of lipofuscin-loaded cells was significantly increased in the interstitial tissue of testis in letrozole-treated rats. The results indicate the direct influence of estrogens on seminiferous tubules and the interstitial tissue morphology.     

The regenerative capacity of testicular interstitial tissue

Summary A single intraperitoneal injection of ethane dimethanesulphonate (EDS) destroys all Leydig cells in the adult rat testis but 1–2 weeks later new foetal-type Leydig cells begin to regenerate within the interstitial tissue. A further EDS treatment at 4 weeks failed to kill the new population of foetal-type Leydig cells. Between 10–20 weeks, the new Leydig cells exhibited the characteristics of adult-type Leydig cells. These cells responded to another EDS treatment by exhibiting a second phase of complete degeneration followed by regeneration of a foetal-type and subsequently an adult-type cell population. The results indicate that the testis retains the ability to replenish its supply of Leydig cells despite successive phases of total degradation of Leydig cells.     

Testosterone immunoreactivity in the seminiferous epithelium of rat testis: effect of treatment with ethane dimethanesulfonate

Androgens drive spermatogenesis by processes that are largely unknown. Direct effects on germ cells and indirect effects mediated via testicular somatic elements are currently under consideration, and specific localization of androgens in seminiferous tubules may provide information as regards this. Adult male rats were injected with ethane dimethanesulfonate (EDS; 75 mg/kg body weight) or vehicle. Testes were fixed and paraffin-embedded for localization of testosterone immunoreactivity 1 and 2 weeks after treatment, using the unlabeled antibody (PAP) technique. Plasma testosterone dropped from a pre-treatment level of 2.3 ng/ml to below 0.2 ng/ml 3 days after EDS injection and remained at low levels until the end of observation, accompanied by a progressive decrease in testicular weight. In the seminiferous tubules of vehicle-injected males, testosterone immunoreactivity was found in nuclei of spermatocytes and spermatids and in nuclei and the cytoplasm of Sertoli cells, and showed typical variations according to the stage of spermatogenesis. One week after EDS treatment, immunoreactivity had disappeared from the seminiferous epithelium. Two weeks after treatment, staining of germ cells was detected in two out of four males. The disappearance and reappearance of immunoreactivity coincided with the time course of EDS effects on rat Leydig cells, and we conclude that it corresponds to androgen specifically localized in fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. Because staining of germ cell nuclei varied with the stage of spermatogenesis, the technique may detect a physiologically relevant androgen fraction; its location suggests that androgens may also directly affect certain germ cell stages.     

Acute response of testicular interstitial tissue in rats to the cytotoxic drug ethane dimethanesulphonate

Summary The cytotoxic effects of ethane dimethanesulphonate upon rat Leydig cells were examined ultrastructurally up to 3 days after treatment and related to changes in serum levels of gonadotrophins and testosterone. Six hours after administration of ethane dimethanesulphonate the usual tubulo-vesicular morphology of Leydig-cell smooth endoplasmic reticulum was converted to small vesicles and the Golgi apparatus showed focal hypertrophy into anastomosing tubules. These changes became more marked by 12 h with many Leydig cells exhibiting karyopyknosis and hyperchromatism. Necrotic Leydig cells were often engulfed by macrophages, the latter containing pyknotic fragments of Leydig cells within their cytoplasm. One day after administration, advanced necrosis of Leydig cells occurred, many of which were phagocytosed by macrophages, and on day 3, destruction of Leydig cells was complete resulting in their elimination from the interstitial tissue, which contained only loose connective tissue and macrophages. Structural alterations to the Leydig cells from 6–24 h was reflected by a significant reduction in serum testosterone levels which further declined to the limits of detection accompanying the abolition of Leydig cells on day 3. These changes were paralleled by a significant elevation of serum LH and FSH levels suggesting diminished feedback regulation of pituitary gonadotrophin secretion. The results indicate that ethane dimethanesulphonate is a rapidly acting Leydig cell toxin which may be a useful experimental tool in further studies of spermatogenic function mediated via Sertoli cell-Leydig cell interaction.     

大鼠睾丸间质组织内的生殖细胞

在本实验中,光镜和电镜观察发现,在一例正常大鼠的局部睾丸的间质组织中,存在着不同发育时期的生殖细胞,同时还见支持细胞。上述各类细胞的超微结构同精细管内的无明显差别;但在位置上,它们却是分散于间质组织内,或者同间质细胞紧密相靠排列,或者分布于血管周围。本事实表明,在大鼠睾丸的间质组织中,可能也存在着生殖细胞赖以生存、发育和分化的环境条件。本文对这一现象的意义作了讨论。     

Reinitiation of spermatogenesis by exogenous gonadotropins in a seasonal breeder, the woodchuck (Marmota monax), during gonadal inactivity.

The present study was undertaken (1) to document structural and functional changes in the testes of seasonally breeding woodchuck during active and inactive states of spermatogenesis and (2) to evaluate the ability of exogenous gonadotropins to reinitiate spermatogenesis outside the breeding season. During seasonal gonadal inactivity, there were significant (P less than 0.05) reductions in volumes of several testicular features (testis, seminiferous tubules, tubular lumen, interstitial tissue, individual Leydig cells, Leydig cell nuclei, and Leydig cell cytoplasm) as compared with gonadally active animals. The diameter of the seminiferous tubules was decreased by 26%, and Leydig cell numbers also declined in the regressed testes. These changes were accompanied by a decline in testosterone (T) levels in both plasma and testis, and reduction in epithelial height of accessory reproductive organs. A hormonal regimen was developed that would reinitiate spermatogenesis in captive, sexually quiescent woodchucks. A combination of PMSG and hCG markedly stimulated testicular growth and function and restored spermatogenesis qualitatively. Quantitatively normal spermatogenesis was restored in 2 of 6 treated males. Morphometric analyses revealed substantial increases in seminiferous tubular diameter and in the volume of seminiferous tubules, tubular lumen, total Leydig cells, and individual Leydig cells in the hormone-treated animals. These increased values corresponded to 99, 75, 68, 51, and 200%, respectively, of the values measured in naturally active woodchucks. Leydig cell numbers, however, remained unchanged and approximated only 31% of the number found in naturally active testes. Hormonal stimulation also resulted in a significant rise in serum T as well as in the total content of testicular T, and a marked increase in epithelial height in various accessory reproductive glands. The most effective hormonal protocol for stimulating spermatogenesis was treatment with 12.5 IU of PMSG twice a week for 4 weeks followed by 12.5 IU of PMSG + 25 IU of hCG twice a week for 4 weeks.     

Morphologic study of the testes from spontaneous unilateral and bilateral abdominal cryptorchid boars

Macroscopical and histological characteristics were examined in both testes from three healthy boars, three boars with unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism on the right side, and three boars with bilateral abdominal cryptorchidism. Abdominal cryptorchidism, unilateral and bilateral, provoked a significant decrease of the weight and volume of the ectopic testes. The scrotal testis of the unilateral cryptorchid boars showed an increase in its volume and weight. Cryptorchidism also induced abnormalities in the histological structure of seminiferous tubules, lamina propria, and interstitial tissue of the abdominal testes. The number of seminiferous tubules decreased; the seminiferous epithelium was constituted by few spermatogonia with an atypical pattern and by abnormal Sertoli cells. The lamina propria showed a variable degree of thickening and collagenization. The interstitial tissue was very developed but displayed a decrease in the Leydig cell population. These abnormalities were more critical in bilateral cryptorchidism than in unilateral cryptorchidism. The scrotal testis of the unilateral cryptorchid boars showed normal appearance, but a decrease of the number of seminiferous tubules was observed. Moreover, the seminiferous tubules showed impaired spermatid maturation. The alterations observed in the abdominal testes of the unilateral and bilateral cryptorchid boars were attributed to defective proliferation and differentiation of Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. The anomalies in the scrotal testis of the unilateral cryptorchid boars were due to disturbances in the Sertoli cell activity.     

Differential effects of the destruction of Leydig cells by administration of ethane dimethane sulphonate to postnatal rats

Ethane dimethane sulphonate (EDS) is a cytotoxic drug that selectively destroys Leydig cells in adult testes. This study has examined the effect of a single injection of EDS on the Leydig cell populations present in the testes of rats aged 5, 10, or 20 days. Microscopic examination of the tissue demonstrated that the fetal Leydig cell population was destroyed at all ages, but that subsequent development of the adult population of Leydig cells was not affected. Whilst the destruction of the fetal Leydig cells in this acute phase of EDS on 5-day-old rats was accompanied by a decline in serum testosterone levels, there was no apparent effect on this hormone when EDS administered at 10 or 20 days of age, despite the destruction of fetal Leydig cells in these rats. The long-term effects of EDS on Day 5 of age resulted in proliferation of the intertubular tissue in which more Leydig cells were observed, but serum testosterone and testosterone levels in response to human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation in vitro were normal despite moderate or severe disruption of the seminiferous epithelium. These data show that the fetal Leydig cells of immature testes are sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of EDS in the adult, but the response of the testes differs depending on the age at which the drug is administered.     

Loss and recovery of androgen receptor protein expression in the adult rat testis following androgen withdrawal by ethane dimethanesulfonate

Androgens are especially important for the maintenance of spermatogenesis in adulthood and the experimental withdrawal of testosterone (T) production by ethane dimenthanesulfonate (EDS) is a valuable tool for studying androgen-dependent events of spermatogenesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the specific changes in immunoexpression of androgen receptor (AR) in the testis in relation to degeneration and regeneration of Leydig cell (LC) population and seminiferous epithelium. Immunohistochemistry for AR and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) as well as TUNEL assay for apoptosis were performed on testicular sections of control and EDS-treated rats. Serum LH and T levels were measured by RIA. Our results revealed a total loss of AR immunoexpression from the nuclei of Sertoli (SCs), LCs and peritubular cells during the first week after EDS administration and that coincided with severe drop in T levels. Two weeks after EDS administration, the AR expression was recovered in these cells but normal stage-specificity in SCs was replaced by uniform intensity of AR immunostaining at all the stages of the spermatogenic cycle. The stage-specific pattern of androgen expression in SCs with a maximum at stages VII-VIII appeared 5 weeks after treatment. LC immunoreactivity for 3beta-HSD at different time points after EDS administration correlated with values of T concentration. The maximal germ cell apoptosis on day 7 was followed by total loss of elongated spermatids 2 weeks after EDS treatment. Regeneration of seminiferous epithelium 3 weeks after EDS administration and onwards occurred in tandem with the development of new LC population indicated by the appearance of 3beta-HSD-positive cells and gradual increase in T production. The specific changes in AR after EDS including their loss and recovery in Sertoli cells paralleled with degenerative and regenerative events in Leydig and germ cell populations, confirming close functional relationship between Sertoli, Leydig and germ cells.     

Subcutaneous grafts of fresh or cryopreserved testis in castrated rats and mice: comparison of the histologic aspects of the grafts

In the castrated rat, only testis taken in one to two week-old donors observed three months after sub-cutaneous isograft contain a well developed interstitial tissue and some seminiferous tubules with germinal cells. On the contrary in castrated mice, testicular grafts taken in adult animals show some Leydig cells and degenerating seminiferous tubules. These grafts permit the restoration of androgenic activity in previously castrated recipients.     

Ultrastructural localisation of alkaline phosphatase in the intertubular tissue of the testis in the domestic fowl

Alkaline phosphatase activity in the intertubular tissue of the testes of the domestic fowl was examined using an ultracytochemical technique based on the lead capture method. In the interstitial tissue, the Leydig cells, transitional cells and the fibroblasts displayed enzyme activity on their cell membranes. Vacuoles located in the transitional cells were lined by reaction products of enzyme activity, whereas the vacuoles representing extracted lipid droplets and present mainly in the Leydig cells were free of enzyme activity. In the peritubular tissue the cell processes of fibroblasts showed enzyme activity on the cell membranes and in pinocytotic vesicles. Cell processes lying adjacent to blood vessels showed pronounced activity. In the blood vessel itself some activity was present in the basement membrane and the endothelium. The surface of the red blood cell showed moderate activity. The possible role of alkaline phosphatase in the transfer of hormone from the Leydig cells to the seminiferous tubules and from the seminiferous tubules to the interstitium is discussed. The myoid cells and their processes were devoid of enzyme activity.     

Stimulatory effect of follicle-stimulating hormone on rat Leydig cells

Summary The effects of FSH on the testicular interstitial tissue of immature hypophysectomized rats were studied by comparing morphological changes in Leydig cells with quantitative changes in interstitial tissue histology using morphometric analysis. Three groups of rats received subcutaneous injections of 0.5 ml saline vehicle or 10 g rFSH or 20 ng oLH (equivalent to the amount of LH known to contaminate the FSH), twice daily for 7 days. Administration of FSH significantly increased testis weight and stimulated more advanced spermatogenesis compared to saline or LH. Morphometric analysis of testes of LH-treated rats showed a small but significant increase in total interstitial cell volume compared to saline treatment. FSH caused much greater increases in the total volume of interstitial tissue and interstitial cells than either saline or LH and significantly increased the total volume of interstitial fluid by comparison with the other groups. FSH but not saline or LH treatment resulted in a striking hypertrophy of Leydig cells, to produce cells ultrastructurally identical to Leydig cells from adults. Since the target tissue of FSH is the seminiferous epithelium, the observed effects on Leydig cells by FSH treatment suggest that the secretion of factors by the seminiferous tubules may mediate the maturation of Leydig cells.     

Seasonal changes in the testicular morphology and interstitial tissue histomorphometry of Sahraoui camel under Algerian extreme arid conditions

The seasonal testicular morphology and the morphometry of the interstitial tissue were studied in 62 camels at Algerian extreme arid region. The maximal testicular size was recorded during the rutting season. In this period, the interstitial tissue occupied high area and volume with significant increase of the intertubular constituent’s volume, hypertrophy of the Leydig cell, and maximal number of Leydig cells per testes. Therefore, the highest ratios of seminiferous tubules to interstitial tissue area and volume and the highest fraction of intertubular empty space were recorded during the non-rutting. The greater Leydig cell nucleus size was observed during the post-rutting season. Finally, the numerical density of Leydig cells did not significantly change over the year. These results provide information on the relationship between seasonal changes of camel testicular morphology and the histomorphometry of the testicular endocrine compartment in camels at the arid livestock conditions of the southeastern Algerian desert.     

Specific destruction of Leydig cells in mature rats after in vivo administration of ethane dimethyl sulfonate

Effects of ethane dimethyl sulfonate (EDS) on Leydig cells have been studied using the following parameters: morphology, histochemistry of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) and esterase, quantitative activity of esterase, testosterone concentrations in plasma, and steroid production by isolated interstitial cells in vitro. Degenerating Leydig cells were observed within 16 h after the injection of mature rats with EDS (75 mg/kg body weight). At that time the testosterone concentration in plasma and the specific activity of esterase in testis tissue were decreased to approximately 35% and 60% of the control value, respectively. At 48 h after EDS only a few normal Leydig cells were left and the plasma testosterone concentration was less than 5% of the control value. The specific activity of esterase in total testis tissue was similar to the activity of dissected tubules from untreated rats. At 72 h no Leydig cells could be detected and no 3 beta-HSD and esterase-positive cells were present. At that time macrophages were still present in the interstitium and the appearance of the spermatogenic epithelium was normal, but 1 wk after EDS the elongation of spermatids was disturbed, probably due to a lack of testosterone. In some of the animals the cytotoxic effects of EDS on Leydig cells could be partly inhibited by human chorionic gonadotropin treatment. The basal steroid production by interstitial cells from mature rats 72 h after EDS was not significant and no stimulation by LH was observed, whereas no effect of EDS could be detected on steroid production by interstitial cells isolated from immature rats and mice 72 h after treatment. Other compounds with similar structures, such as butane dimethyl sulfonate (busulfan) and ethane methyl sulfonate (EMS) had no effect on Leydig cells from mature rats. It is concluded that EDS specifically destroys Leydig cells in mature rats.     

Focal disruption of spermatogenesis in the testis of adult rats after a single administration of human chorionic gonadotrophin

Summary The effect of a single injection of 100 i.u. human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) upon the morphology of the rat testis was studied by light and electron-microscopy from 12–48 h after treatment. Twelve hours after injection of hCG, emigration of leukocytes occurred across the intertubular blood vessels and, both at this time and at 24 h, infiltrations of leukocytes were observed within the extracellular tissue spaces. Furthermore, 12 h after hCG, the seminiferous epithelium showed focal disruption of spermatogenesis involving germ cell degeneration and pyknosis. Focal damage to the seminiferous epithelium persisted at 24 h and 48 h after injection of hCG, the affected seminiferous tubules showing failure of spermiation, accumulation of extracellular vacuoles and degeneration or partial loss of spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes. The observations show that, after stimulation of the Leydig cells with hCG, the intertubular tissue exhibits an inflammatory-type response and this is associated with focal tissue destruction in the seminiferous tubules. It is concluded that a high dose of hCG exerts anti-spermatogenic effects upon the testis and raises the possibility of unexpected interference with tests of normal Leydig cell function in both laboratory and clinical investigations.     

The site of aromatization in the mouse cryptorchid testis

Using the mouse cryptorchid model, degenerations of germ cells were observed as well as a reduced size of seminiferous tubules, while the area of the interstitial tissue increased. Aromatase, the enzyme responsible for the conversion of androgens into oestrogens, was immunolocalized in Leydig cells and in germ cells from both scrotal and abdominal testes, and in Sertoli cells only in a control testis. In the cryptorchid testis, aromatase was strongly expressed in a few tubules, including those spermatids that were still present. Other cells inside the tubules were negative for aromatase. In both testes, oestrogen receptors alpha were expressed only in Leydig cells. Strong aromatase expression in germ cells indicates an additional source of oestrogens in the testis besides the interstitial tissue.