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PubMed2003

The ultrastructure of the guinea pig rete testis.

The chambers of the rete testis (RT) of guinea pig are lined by a simple epithelium, whose cells are squamous, cubical and columnar in shape. The epithelial cells with distinct shapes were counted and the quantitative analysis of the number of these cells showed relative predominance of cubical cells. The ultrastructural observations showed predominance of membrane interdigitations among the epithelial cells. These cells present common cytoplasmic organelles. The Golgi complex polarity is typical with observation of electronlucent vesicles on the Golgi cis face closely related to rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lamellae, mitochondria and large number of polysomes on the Golgi trans face. These related structures present in Golgi area of RT cells suggest secretory activity which maybe occurs in the RT epithelium. Endocytotic process also occurs in the RT and this function probably concerns the uptake of substances and resorption of seminiferous fluid. Apical cilia present in RT epithelium cells are related with fluid transport and perhaps with chemoreception. Presence of spermatozoa portions enclosed into the cytoplasm of some epithelium cells has been referred to as spermatophagy. The RT complex is mainly supported by loose connective tissue, with collagen fibres and some Leydig cells. Leydig cells are adjacent to the network channels of the septal part of the RT and apparently are able to secrete inside the RT lumen.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Cysts and epithelial proliferations of the testicular collecting system (including rete testis).

Neoplastic and non-neoplastic proliferations of the testicular collecting system may be a source of diagnostic difficulty as they are rarely encountered and may have an appearance that leads to confusion with lesions arising in adjacent structures. The rete testis and epididymis are the 2 sites that are most likely to give rise to this unusual group of lesions. This article principally, although not exclusively, deals with those lesions that produce an intrascrotal mass. These include benign acquired or developmental cysts such as cystic dysgenesis of the rete testis or acquired cystic transformation of the rete testis, non-neoplastic epithelial proliferations such as adenomatous hyperplasia of the rete testis or cribriform hyperplasia of the epididymis, and benign or malignant neoplasms. Rete testis cystadenoma, including the sertoliform variant, and papillary cystadenoma of the epididymis are examples of benign tumors of the testicular collecting system that must be considered, the latter is the more likely of the 2 to be encountered. Primary carcinoma of either the rete testis or the epididymis is a rare occurrence; these entities are considered in some detail to allow for their recognition and distinction from other tumors that may occur in this region. Our own experience with 18 unpublished cases of lesions of the rete is also present.

Adult↗

PubMed1983

Effect of deprival of rete testis fluid on the morphology of efferent ductules.

One week after unilateral cannulation of the rete testis and ligation of the efferent ductules, samples of the proximal, middle and distal segments of the efferent ductules of 6 goats were examined by light and electron microscopy and compared with normal contralateral efferent ductules. The pseudostratified columnar epithelium consisted of ciliated, nonciliated and basal cells. The number of clear vacuoles decreased markedly in the proximal and middle segments following deprivation of androgen-rich rete testis fluid. The epithelium of the distal segment of the cannulated side had few large clear vacuoles compared to the normal side, which had a high concentration of large vacuoles. Since the large vacuoles decreased in all three segments following ligation, they were thought to be absorptive. Some cells of the distal segment of the cannulated side contained a single, huge, basal vacuole. Electron-dense, membrane-bound granules were abundant in the proximal segment of normal ductules. After cannulation these granules were still present. It was concluded that the electron-dense granules were insensitive to rete testis fluid and that they did not arise from the fluid leaving the rete testis.

Androgens↗

PubMed2006

Bilateral cystic dysplasia of the rete testis with renal adysplasia.

Cystic dyplasia of the rete testis (CDRT) is an uncommon, generally unilateral lesion characterized by anastomosing cystic spaces lined by a flattened simple cuboidal epithelium in the rete testis. In the literature this lesion often is associated with an ipsilateral urogenital lesion such as renal agenesia or multicystic dysplasia of the kidney, in order of frequency. The pathogenesis is explained by some authors by their common embryologic origin. We are reporting the finding of bilateral CDRT associated with ultrasound-diagnosed renal adysplasia in a 20-week gestational age fetus with oligohydramnios. Although CDRT has been referred to as being associated with multicystic renal dysplasia or renal agenesis, the present case appears to be unique in combining all the malformations together.

Abortion, Eugenic↗

PubMed1993

Ultrastructure of the rete testis in the cat (Felis domestica, L.).

The rete testis (RT) in the cat comprises three distinct and sequential parts: septal or adlobular; mediastinal and tunical parts. This last part is followed by the small extratesticular rete testis. The whole of the RT tubules and/or channels is lined by single low columnar and/or cuboidal epithelium with ultrastructural peculiarities of secretory and absorptive functions. The Golgi apparatus polarity (cis-trans surfaces), its relation with the long profiles of the ER, mainly with the rough ER, and presence of apical uncoated electrodense granules are suggestive of active release of macromolecules, probably glycoproteins. The absorptive function is proposed through the observation of a conspicuous microvacuolar-vesicular apical complex in epithelial cells. Moreover spermatozoa phagocytosis is also noticed, mainly in the septal part of the RT.

Animals↗

PubMed1982

Light microscopic and ultrastructural evidence of epithelial phagocytosis of sperm in the rete testis and ductuli efferentes in the bull.

Light microscopic and ultrastructural observations were made in the bull rete testis and the ductuli efferentes with emphasis on the presence of sperm in the epithelium. Phagocytosed sperm in various stages of degeneration were found in the epithelial cells lining the rete testis and in the nonciliated cells of the ductuli efferentes. Phagocytosis was more prevalent in the rete testis than in the ductuli efferentes. Besides the epithelial cells, degenerating sperm components and residual bodies were in the luminal macrophages of the rete testis. The degeneration of sperm heads presumably progressed in the following order: (i) disruption of the cell membrane, (ii) aggregation of small vesicles, probably of Golgi origin, between the disrupted cell membrane and an outer acrosomal membrane, (iii) loss of the acrosomal matrix, and finally (iv) disintegration of the nuclear chromatin. These degenerative changes probably resulted from increased lysosomal activity of phagocytosing cells. The possible importance and causes of spermiophagy are discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

[Structure of the rete testis of the cat (Felis domestica, L)].

The rete testis of the cat consists of 3 parts: a septal or interlobular part; a mediastinal part and a tunical part. The septal part contains the septal or transitory tubuli recti and the tubuli recti. The transitory tubules are formed as a confluence of the seminiferous tubules at the apex of the testicular lobules and the tubuli recti. The mediastinal rete is formed of long, straight channels which increase in size and become more irregular and anastomotic below the tunica albuginea at the cranial extremity of the testis. The end is characterized as the tunical part of the rete testis and communicates with the extratesticular rete testis. The channels all parts of the rete are lined by simple cuboidal or columnar epithelium. These epithelial channels are supported by a connective tissue containing smooth muscle cells. The framework tissue of the rete is more conspicuous at the cranial extremity of the testis, with a mio-connective matrix organization.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Tubular ectasia of the rete testis: an ultrasound diagnosis.

Tubular ectasia of the rete testis is a rare benign entity that is often associated with some degree of obstruction at the epididymal level, either post-traumatic or postinfectious in nature. Its characteristic ultrasound findings have been well described in the radiologic literature. We report 6 cases of dilated rete testis diagnosed by ultrasound at our hospital over a 2-year period. Recognition of tubular ectasia by ultrasound, in the appropriate clinical setting, may eliminate unnecessary testicular biopsy or orchiectomy.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Ultrasonography revealing the accumulation of rete testis fluid in bull testicles.

Ultrasonography was used for diagnosing accumulation of rete testis fluid in live bulls. When 447 bulls of Ayrshire breed selected for artificial insemination were studied by ultrasonography, eleven were detected in which the ultrasonograms visualized accumulation of rete testis fluid in the testicles. In 7 bulls the accumulation (spermiostasis) was bilateral and in 4 unilateral. In only four out of 18 testicles, macroscopically epididymal cysts were seen after slaughter. At the age of 16 months four bulls with bilateral spermiostasis were azoospermic. When studied by ultrasonography, the rete testis of normal testicles was echogenic and narrow but in affected testicles anechogenic and wide. Nine of the affected bulls were sons of three fathers. We suggest that spermiostasis is hereditary in Ayrshire bulls and, as in the goat, is progressive by nature.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

[Diagnosis of tubular ectasia of the rete testis with color flow Doppler imaging].

OBJECTIVE: To diagnose tubular ectasia of the rete testis with color flow Doppler imaging. METHODS: Sonographic, CDFI and pulse wave Doppler appearance in tubular ectasia of the rete testis was described. RESULTS: The characteristic ultrasound appearance with no associated soft-tissue abnormality and no flow on color flow Doppler imaging was seen. CONCLUSION: Color Doppler ultrasound imaging is the first choice for the diagnosis of tubular ectasia of the rete testis.

Aged↗

PubMed1994

Papillary adenocarcinoma of the rete testis: a case report and review of the literature.

Adenocarcinoma of the rete testis is a rare neoplasm with 40 reported cases in the world literature to our knowledge. Although the natural history of this tumor is not well known, it appears highly malignant even in localized forms. Adenocarcinoma of the rete testis is highly resistant to adjuvant radiotherapy and any known chemotherapeutic regimen. We recommend radical orchiectomy followed by a retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy as the treatment for clinically localized Stage A tumors and minimal or microscopic Stage B disease. We report a case of adenocarcinoma of the rete testis and review the world literature.

Adenocarcinoma, Papillary↗

PubMed2003

[Cystic dysplasia of rete testis associated with ipsilateral renal agenesis. Case report].

Cystic dysplasia of the rete testis is a rare abnormality often associated with the ipsilateral agenesis of kidney. This malformation is due to a development defect of the mesonephric duct which is the cause of both the dilation of the testicular rete testis and renal agenesis. A case of this rare malformation, showing all the peculiarities described in the medical literature, is presented. A 3 years-4 months boy was examined for an asymptomatic left scrotal mass; thus, he underwent ultrasonography, which showed a multiple tubular and cystic dilatation of left rete testis, associated with the absence of left kidney, afterward confirmed by MAG3-radionuclide scan. Diagnosis was also validated by testicular biopsy. No surgery was required. The child is nowadays under observation and at 2-years follow-up he doesn't show any symptom. According to many authors, a conservative treatment of this benign congenital abnormality is suggested as well as serial ultrasonography to monitor the growth of the testicular mass, which in a longest follow-up, could require surgery. Malignant transformation nor infertility have never been described.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

PubMed2006

Bilateral cystic rete testis in an alpaca (Lama pacos).

A 9-year-old intact male alpaca (Lama pacos) was examined because of marked enlargement of the left scrotum. Ultrasound examination revealed a thin-walled anechoic structure in the area of the left testis. Aspirated fluid contained spermatozoa, many of which had abnormal morphology. Castration was performed and the left testis was markedly enlarged with a clear fluid-filled cyst. The cyst was lined by a single layer of squamous to cuboidal epithelial cells consistent with those originating from rete testis. The right testis was of a comparable size and shape to that of normal alpaca testis, but the rete testis was mildly to moderately dilated. Additional findings included chronic inflammation of the right testis and epididymis and epididymal fibrosis with ductal hyperplasia on the left. The diagnosis was bilateral cystic rete testis, most likely secondary to chronic inflammation.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Development of the rete testis in the prenatal ontogeny of rodents and effect of prolactin and thyrotropin on its cellular differentiation].

The development of rete testis in the rat, rabbit and guinea pig foetuses has been studied, as well as the influence of prolactin and thyrotropin on differentiation of its cells. It was shown that the rete testis tubules, as well as the seminiferous tubules develop from sex cords, which were derived from coelomic epithelium cells and gonocytes. The development of seminiferous tubules and rete testis was described at various stages of prenatal ontogenesis. Thyrotropin and prolactin exert different effects on differentiation of the rete testis cells: the former increases the mitotic activity of gonocytes and the latter increases that of epithelial cells and enhances degenerative processes in primary germ cells.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Cystic dysplasia of the rete testis associated to cryptorchidism: a case report.

A case of cystic dysplasia of the rete testis (CDRT) is reported. Nine months after right orchidopexy, a 10-year-old boy presented a palpable mass in the ipsilateral hemi-scrotum. Preoperative ultrasound showed a cystic lesion involving almost the whole testis. Radical orchidectomy was performed and at gross examination a hilar multiloculated cystic lesion was confirmed; microscopic examination showed cystic spaces lined by benign appearing monostratified epithelium with atrophy of the surrounding testicular parenchyma. These findings were consistent with the diagnosis of cystic dysplasia of the rete testis. Immunohistochemical investigation evidenced a pattern similar to that of a normal rete testis. Renal ultrasound and DTPA scintigraphy performed after pathological diagnosis documented the absence of the ipsilateral kidney. CDRT is a rare cause of scrotal swelling in the pediatric patient. When diagnosis is suspected, based on clinical and sonographic findings, conservative surgery may be considered.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

PubMed1989

Acquired cystic transformation of the rete testis secondary to renal failure.

The histologic study of testicular specimens from 218 consecutive autopsies revealed a cystic transformation of the rete testis in 26 men. Serial sections of the testes, epididymides, and spermatic cords of these men were studied by light microscopy. In 15 cases, the rete testis dilation was caused by obstruction of the epididymis. In five cases, the dilation was due to obstruction of the intratesticular excretory ducts caused by varicocele. In the remaining six men, no evidence of obstructive processes was found. These six patients had been diagnosed with renal failure and underwent hemodialysis. The rete testis in these men showed dilated channels lined by a high columnar or pseudostratified epithelium. They contained spermatozoa, with a proteinaceous material and calcium oxalate crystals. The ductuli efferents showed eosinophilic granules in their epithelial cells and their lumen contained spermatids, spermatozoa, cell remnants, calcium oxalate crystals, and multinucleate giant cells. These rete testis lesions are similar to those previously reported in the kidney of hemodialyzed patients.

Calcium Oxalate↗

PubMed1994

Pagetoid spread of intratubular germ cell neoplasia into rete testis: a morphologic and histochemical study of 100 orchiectomy specimens with invasive germ cell tumors.

Intratubular germ cell neoplasia (ITGCN) is now considered to be the preinvasive phase of testicular germ cell tumors with the exceptions of spermatocytic seminoma, pure yolk sac tumor, and mature teratoma. Pagetoid spread of ITGGN into rete testis is a common yet unpublished finding in these cases. We reviewed 100 cases of testicular germ cell tumors from the Surgical Pathology service of Parkland Memorial Hospital (Dallas, TX) to evaluate the frequency of this pattern of spread. Additional sections were obtained from selected cases and were stained with anti-placental alkaline phosphatase, anti-low molecular weight keratin (clone AE1), and various lectins to highlight the process. Pagetoid spread of ITGCN into rete testis was identified in 24 of 60 cases (40%) in which histologic sections contained both ITGCN and rete testis. The incidence of pagetoid ITGCN involvement of the rete testis was lower in pure seminoma (seven of 25 cases [28%]) than in testes containing nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (17 of 35 cases [49%]). AE1 stained the epithelial cells of the rete testis but not the cells of the ITGCN, whereas placental alkaline phosphatase stained the neoplastic cells but not the epithelial cells of the rete testis. These stains were useful in delineating two cases in which the pagetoid involvement was so extensive that they were misdiagnosed as invasive seminomas. Pagetoid spread of ITGCN is a relatively common finding in testicular germ cell tumors and rarely can be mistaken for invasive seminoma. Immunohistochemistry can be helpful in distinguishing florid pagetoid spread from invasive seminoma.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1987

The rete testis of the goat, a morphological study.

The rete testis of the goat can be divided into three parts, septal, mediastinal and extratesticular. The septal rete is short, relatively straight and connects the terminal part of the seminiferous tubules with the mediastinal rete. The mediastinal rete is a labyrinth of intercommunicating channels that occupies about two-thirds of the central axis of the testis. The extratesticular rete is located outside the testis at its extremitas capitata and forms sac-like dilations up to 2 mm in diameter. The rete testis, regardless of its location, is lined by simple cuboidal to simple squamous epithelium that invariably contains a few intra-epithelial lymphocytes and macrophages. The epithelial cells possess few microvilli and a centrally located flagellum at the luminal border. With the exception of a few small vesicles in the apical cytoplasm, morphological features associated with absorption such as coated vesicles, canaliculi, vacuoles and multivesicular bodies are absent. However, basolateral interdigitations between adjacent cells, another feature of absorptive epithelium, are frequently noticed. Most cytoplasmic organelles except mitochondria and free ribosomes are poorly developed, suggesting that caprine rete epithelial cells are not associated with protein/glycoprotein secretion. There is no evidence of sperm phagocytosis by the rete epithelium, but luminal macrophages containing sperm fragments are occasionally encountered. The structural-functional relationships of the rete epithelial cells are discussed.

Animals↗