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Dysgenesis of testicular and streak gonads in the syndrome of mixed gonadal dysgenesis: perspective derived from a clinicopathologic analysis of twenty-one cases.

The clinical and pathologic aspects of 21 cases of mixed gonadal dysgenesis (MGD) were studied. The gonads in 15 patients consisted of a macroscopic testis and a streak gonad; six patients had variants, including two with bilateral testes and four with bilateral streak gonads or tumors. Functionally, the gonads were incompetent. Testes 1) failed to completely inhibit müllerian development, 2) failed to support full differentiation of mesonephric duct structures, 3) failed to adequately masculinize development of the external genitalia, or 4) often failed to mediate their own descent, resulting in asymmetry of the internal and external genitalia. None of the streak gonads mediated normal female adolescent development or fertility. Microscopic examination revealed that every gonad, regardless of its gross appearance, was morphologically abnormal. Although gonads with seminiferous tubules usually developed to a moderately advanced state, macroscopically resembling testes, the hilar zone remained architecturally disorganized; the cortex invariably lacked more than a rudimentary tunica albuginea or exhibited partial ovarian differentiation, sometimes even with a rare primordial follicle. Over time, the seminiferous tubules atrophied and hyalinized. Gonads that grossly resembled streak gonads were observed microscopically to be composed of a stroma resembling that of normal ovarian cortex. In patients more than several years of age, the entire complement of germ cells in streak gonads disappeared. It is suggested that patients with MGD be raised as females. Early removal of gonads will prevent the development of gonadoblastoma and dysgerminoma. If the uterus is retained and the patient is subsequently given exogenous estrogen, care should be taken to detect early any signs of the development of endometrial carcinoma or its precursor, to which these patients may be prone.

Adolescent↗

Sex chromosomal mosaicism in the gonads of patients with gonadal dysgenesis, but normal female or male karyotypes in lymphocytes.

OBJECTIVES: In most cases, XX or XY gonadal dysgenesis remains genetically unexplained. In this pilot study we searched for sex-chromosomal mosaicism in gonads of patients with XX or XY gonadal dysgenesis of undetermined origin. STUDY DESIGN: Gonadal tissues were analyzed by cytogenetic and interphase fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) analyses in four patients with gonadal dysgenesis and normal female (46,XX) or male (46,XY) karyotypes in lymphocytes. RESULTS: Cytogenetic and FISH analyses of the gonads demonstrated in three patients a sex-chromosomal mosaicism. Cytogenetic analysis of gonadal tissue of the fourth patient confirmed the result of the lymphocytes with 46,XX, but FISH analysis revealed in 17% of nuclei only one X-chromosome. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that sex-chromosomal mosaicism in gonads may be a frequent cause of gonadal dysgenesis despite of normal karyotypes in lymphocytes. Therefore, cytogenetic and FISH analyses of gonadal tissue can provide important information in unexplained cases of gonadal dysgenesis.

Adolescent↗

The X linked recessive form of XY gonadal dysgenesis with a high incidence of gonadal germ cell tumours: clinical and genetic studies.

Five phenotypic females in one family had the genotype 46,XY and all had gonadal germ cell tumours. Studies of the family pedigree suggest that this form of XY gonadal dysgenesis is inherited in an X linked recessive manner. G banding of elongated metaphase chromosomes from two subjects with XY gonadal dysgenesis and a female carrier showed no aberrations of the X chromosome. The titres of H-Y antigen in three girls with XY gonadal dysgenesis were in the male control range. Thus it appears that, in the X linked form, XY gonadal dysgenesis may be caused by a point deletion or mutation of a gene on the X chromosome, which controls the gonad specific receptor for the H-Y antigen. Studies of Xg blood groups were uninformative about linkage of Xg with the X borne gene causing the XY gonadal dysgenesis. Dermatoglyphic studies in the girls with XY gonadal dysgenesis and female carriers revealed high a-b palmar ridge counts and a tendency for the A mainline to terminate in the thenar area. Both of these features have been described in patients with Turner's syndrome.

Adolescent↗

Effects of steroid sex hormones on chick embryo gonads in organ culture, with special reference to hormonal control of gonadal sex differentiation.

At the initial stages of sex differentiation (7.5 and 8.5 days of incubation), chick embryo gonads were treated directly with testosterone or estradiol-17 beta in organ cultures. Chemically-defined media containing cholesterol as a steroid precursor were used. The differentiation of gonads in the 10 to 12-day controls, cultured in media containing no hormones, was close to that of gonads of equivalent age in ovo. Testosterone added to the medium exerted an inhibitory effect on the cortex of the female gonad and a masculinizing one on its medulla. The results of estradiol treatment confirmed the known feminizing effect of that hormone on the male gonad, the meiotic prophase in the genetically male germ cells being initiated in the induced cortex. These data may be interpreted in favour of a bihormonal theory of gonadal sex differentiation in birds, where the predominantly-synthesized male or female hormone in the gonad determines the male or female pattern of development of the corresponding gonad.

Animals↗

Testis-like development of gonads in female moles. New insights on mammalian gonad organogenesis.

Moles are unique among mammals because all females of several species of genus Talpa have bilateral ovotestes (gonads with both ovarian and testicular tissue). Based on the analysis of a large sample of embryos, foetuses and infants over a 13-year period, we have studied the development of the gonads in male and female moles of the species Talpa occidentalis. Several new field and laboratory procedures were developed specifically to obtain and manage this singular material. Our results reveal that gonads of female moles develop according to a testis-like pattern, which includes cord formation and mesonephric cell migration, and begins at the same time as testis differentiation in males. The first signs of sex differentiation do not appear in males but in females. Female (but not male) gonads are regionalised with a cortex (precursor of the ovarian tissue) and a medulla (precursor of the testicular tissue). Germ cells concentrate only in the cortex, so that the medulla soon becomes sterile. Testicular tissue development is transiently retarded in females for about a week before birth, and resumes afterwards. Development of the ovarian tissue in females is considerably delayed with respect to that of testicular tissue in both males and females. The molecular characterisation of peritubular myoid cells, which are exclusive of testes, evidences the presence of testicular tissue in the gonads of female moles, which also contain Leydig cells. However, the absence of fully differentiated Sertoli cells indicates that these cells are not responsible for triggering the differentiation of such a testicular tissue. Our results are also discussed regarding the definition of Sertoli cell morphology and function, and the possible role of germ cells in the sex-reversal process. Differences observed between XX and XY gonad development in moles suggest that the mammalian testis-determining gene, SRY, has an "anti-regionalisation" role during gonadal development, at least in those mammalian species in which regionalisation of the female gonad occurs.

Animals↗

Removal of gonads in Y-chromosome-bearing gonadal dysgenesis and in androgen insensitivity syndrome by laparoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: This paper addresses the value of laparoscopic surgery for the removal of gonads in patients with Y-chromosome-bearing gonadal dysgenesis and androgen insensitivity syndrome, who are otherwise faced with a high rate of gonadal malignancy. METHODS: Three patients with Y-chromosome-bearing gonadal dysgenesis and one patient with androgen insensitivity syndrome were operated upon laparoscopically. Removal of gonads was accomplished by their mobilization and dissection from the pelvic side walls, with ligation and transection of the utero-ovarian and infundibulopelvic ligaments. RESULTS: Surgery was without complications. Histological examination of the gonads showed complete removal and absence of malignancy in each patient. Patients were discharged the day after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic approach is a safe and effective alternative to laparotomy in the management of patients with Y-chromosome-bearing gonadal dysgenesis and with androgen insensitivity syndrome.

Adolescent↗

Gonadal in vitro androstenedione metabolism and changes in some plasma and gonadal steroid hormones during sex inversion of the protandrous sea bass, Lates calcarifer.

Steroidogenesis in the gonad of the protandrous sea bass, Lates calcarifer, was examined in vitro in spermiating testis, previtellogenic ovary, and transitional gonads. Gonadal tissues were incubated with tritiated androstenedione. Metabolites were analyzed by thin-layer chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, microchemical reactions, and crystallization to constant specific activity. 17 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 5 beta-reductase, and 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities were found in all of the sex types. On the other hand, 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 11 beta-hydroxylase activities were found only when testicular tissue was present, i.e., in testis and early transitional gonad. A low aromatase activity leading to estrone synthesis was detected in the previtellogenic ovary. In late transitional gonads, a major metabolite (metabolite X) was suggestively identified as a 3-ester of 17 beta-estradiol according to its chemical and immunological characteristics. Levels of 17 beta-estradiol (E2), the metabolite X, testosterone (T), and 11-ketotestosterone (11KT) were also measured by radioimmunoassay in plasma, before (January and February) and during (March and April) the sex inversion process. Plasma E2 was virtually undetectable (means below 25 pg/ml), although higher levels of metabolite X were found in transitional fish (485 +/- 432 pg/ml in March). Throughout this period, plasma levels of T and 11KT and the androgens/estrogens ratio were significantly higher in males than in transitional fish, where these levels decreased during the sex inversion period. The level of in vitro synthesis of metabolite X was high in transitional gonads, but their concentrations were very low (0.07 +/- 0.09 ng of equivalent E2/g in transitional gonads against 0.22 +/- 0.37 ng of equivalent E2/g in testes and 2.16 +/- 2.7 ng of equivalent E2/g in ovaries).

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Changes in plasma levels of gonadal steroids and gonad morphology during the spawning cycle of male and female demoiselles Chromis dispilus (Pisces: Pomacentridae).

This study examined the relationship between gonad morphology and endocrine function of male and female demoiselles Chromis dispilus. Gonad samples were collected over two successive seasons and staged macroscopically and histologically. Blood samples were assayed for the gonadal steroids 17 beta-estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), 11-ketotestosterone (11KT), and 17 alpha,20 beta-dihydroxy-4-pregen-3-one (17,20 beta P) by radioimmunoassay. Histological examination indicated that demoiselles are multiple spawners with group synchronous gamete development, and gonad changes are synchronised within local populations. Gonad morphology does not differ between nonterritorial and territorial males. Plasma levels of E2 and T increased with vitellogenesis in female demoiselles. Plasma levels of 17,20 beta P did not change in association with final oocyte maturation, but 17,20 beta P was not excluded as the possible maturation inducing steroid. However, 17,20 beta P was elevated in females in association with spawning activity. Plasma levels of T and 11KT were not consistently associated with spermiation in male demoiselles but were elevated in association with spawning behaviour. Androgen levels were significantly higher during spawning in territorial males than in nonterritorial males. There was no association between 17,20 beta P and spermiation. Plasma levels of 17,20 beta P were elevated during the display and spawning period in territorial males only. The results of this study provide further evidence for the association of plasma levels of gonadal steroids and behavioural status in demoiselles.

Animals↗

Steroidogenesis in the gonads of rainbow trout fry (Salmo gairdneri) before and after the onset of gonadal sex differentiation.

Gonadal homogenates of rainbow trout from D(ay) 60, D100 and D200 after fertilization have been incubated in vitro in the presence of dehydroepiandrosterone-3H to demonstrate 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) and delta 5,4-isomerase activity, of pregnenolone-3H to assess the synthesis of "progestins" and of androstenedione-3H to determine oestrogen synthesis in the ovaries and the formation of androgens in the testes. Histologically indifferent gonads from D50 contained 3 beta-HSD, delta 5,4-isomerase and 17 alpha-hydroxylase, indicating a capacity to synthesize progestins. Ovaries from D100 possessed the same enzymes as D50 gonads; those from D200 had, in addition, 17 beta-HSD and aromatase, indicative of oestrogen synthesis. Unlike the D50 gonads, the D100 testes also contained 17 alpha, 20-desmolase and 11 beta-hydroxylase, showing a capacity to synthesize androgens. 17 beta-HSD was only demonstrated in D200 testes. The possible role of androgens and progestins in the regulation of gonadal sex differentiation in rainbow trout has been discussed. Ultrastructural and enzymecytochemical investigations have demonstrated stroma (Leydig) cells as sources of steroidogenesis in rainbow trout testis from D100 onwards. The appearance of big mitochondria with many tubular cristae in those cells synchronized with the appearance of 11 beta-hydroxylase activity. Obvious steroidogenic sites could not be demonstrated in younger gonads and developing ovaries.

Animals↗

Enriched gonadal migration of donor-derived gonadal primordial germ cells by immunomagnetic cell sorting in birds.

This study was conducted to evaluate whether immunomagnetic treatment could improve the retrieval and migration capacity of avian gonadal primordial germ cells (gPGCs) collected from gonads in 5.5-day-old chick and 5-day-old quail embryos, respectively. Collected gPGCs were loaded into a magnetic-activated cell sorter (MACS) after being conjugated with specific gPGC antibodies and either MACS-treated or non-treated cells in each species were subsequently transferred to the recipient embryos. MACS treatment significantly (P < 0.05) increased the population ratio of gPGCs in gonadal cells retrieved (0.74 to 33.4% in the chicken and 2.68 to 45.1% in the quail). This was due to decreased number of non-gPGCs in total cell population. MACS treatment further enhanced gonadal migration of gPGCs transferred in both species (10% vs. 80-85% in the chicken and 10-15% vs. 70-80% in the quail). Increase in the number of microinjected cells up to 600 cells/embryo did not eliminate such promoting effect. In conclusion, MACS treatment greatly increased the population ratio of avian gPGCs in gonadal cells, resulting improved gonadal migration in recipient embryos.

Animals↗

The relationship of gonadal activity and chemotherapy-induced gonadal damage.

We tested the hypothesis that chemotherapy-induced gonadal damage is proportional to the degree of gonadal activity during treatment. Thirty studies that evaluated gonadal function after cyclophosphamide therapy for renal disease or combination chemotherapy for Hodgkin's disease or acute lymphocytic leukemia provided data for analysis. Data were stratified according to sex, illness, chemotherapeutic regimen and dose, and pubertal stage at the time of treatment. Chemotherapy-induced damage was more likely to occur in patients who were treated when sexually mature compared with those who were treated when prepubertal. Males were significantly more frequently affected than females when treated for renal disease or Hodgkin's disease. Chemotherapy-induced damage was also more likely to occur when patients were treated with large doses of alkylating agents. These data suggest that chemotherapy-induced damage is proportional to gonadal activity. Further efforts are needed to test whether induced gonadal quiescence during chemotherapy will reduce the strikingly high incidence of gonadal failure following chemotherapy.

Adolescent↗

Overexpression of follistatin-like 3 in gonads causes defects in gonadal development and function in transgenic mice.

Activin has numerous biological activities including regulation of follicular development, spermatogenesis, and steroidogenesis within the gonads. Activities of activin are regulated by follistatin (FST), an activin binding protein, and perhaps follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3; also known as FLRG and FSRP). FSTL3 is a recently described member of the FST family having an overall structure and activity profile similar to that of FST, including binding and neutralization of activin. FSTL3 is most highly expressed in the placenta and testis, whereas FST is highest in the ovary and kidney, suggesting that FSTL3 has biological actions that do not entirely overlap those of FST. To investigate the role of local FSTL3 as a potential regulator of activin action in gonad development and function, we examined FSTL3 expression in the mouse testis. FSTL3 protein was localized to Leydig cells, spermatagonia, and mature spermatids in normal male mice. We then created transgenic mice using a human FSTL3 cDNA driven by the mouse alpha-inhibin promoter. Three of five transgenic founders were fertile and were bred to establish lines. In the highest expressing line 3, transgene expression was largely restricted to gonads, with pituitary, adrenal, brain, and uterine expression being substantially lower. Gonad weights, sperm counts, and fertility were significantly reduced in transgenic males, and reduced litter size was evident in line 3 females. Within the testis, highest transgene expression was observed in Sertoli cells, and although most tubules showed evidence of normal spermatogenic development, degenerating tubules devoid of germ cells and Leydig cell hyperplasia were also evident in every line 3 animal examined. Ovaries from line 3 females contained fewer antral follicles and more apparent follicular atresia. Although circulating human FSTL3 levels were undetectable, FSH and LH levels in adult transgenic mice were not significantly different from wild-type animals. However, testosterone levels were significantly increased at d 21 and significantly reduced at d 60 compared with wild-type males. These results suggest that FSTL3 is likely to be a local regulator of activin action in gonadal development and gametogenesis and, further, that activin appears to have important actions in gonadal development and function that are critical for normal reproduction.

Animals↗

Gonadal tumor and H-Y antigen in 46,XY pure gonadal dysgenesis.

Six cases of Swyer's syndrome (46,XY pure gonadal dysgenesis) are reported. Three patients, without gonadal tumor, had female H-Y antigen. Three patients, after gonadal tumor ablation, had intermediate H-Y antigen levels. Repeated blood samples were obtained from two siblings. H-Y antigen level in the first sibling, who presented with a gonadoblastoma and underwent a gonadectomy before the H-Y assays, was intermediate, and did not show any significant variation for 21 months. H-Y antigen level in the second sibling showed an increase in the male range, presumably due to the presence of gonadoblastomas. After resection of the tumors, H-Y antigen level became intermediate. These findings suggest a relation between the tumorization potentiality of the gonadal remnants and the H-Y antigen levels in 46,XY pure gonadal dysgenesis.

Adolescent↗

Complete XY gonadal dysgenesis and aspects of the SRYgenotype and gonadal tumor formation.

XY gonadal dysgenesis can be classified as either complete or incomplete according to gonadal morphology. The disease is a sex-reversal disorder resulting from embryonic testicular regression sequences and is induced by mutations in the sex-determining region Y ( SRY) gene. The incidence of SRY mutations is thought to be approximately 20%. As the disease is characterized by a frequent complication of gonadal tumors, patients are usually advised to undergo prophylactic gonadectomy. In this study, we searched for mutations in SRY open reading frames from three patients with the complete form of XY gonadal dysgenesis, and detected missense mutations in two patients. Combined with the results of our previous study, in which SRY abnormalities were also detected in two out of three complete-type patients, the final incidence of SRY abnormalities was 67% (four of six patients), which is much higher than previously thought. The incidence of gonadal tumor formation in patients with SRY abnormalities was 50% (two of four patients), which is similar to the result of a metanalysis of patients with SRY abnormalities that revealed an incidence of 52.5%. Therefore, it is possible that the lower incidences of SRY abnormalities previously reported were caused by the inclusion of patients with the incomplete form or other sex-reversal disorders. Moreover, our results suggest that clinicians should carefully examine patients with SRY abnormalities.

Adolescent↗

Microsatellite instability in gonadal tumors of XY pure gonadal dysgenesis patients.

To investigate genetic alternation accompanied by malignant transformation in gonadal tumors of XY pure gonadal dysgenesis patients, we investigated microsatellite instability in the hMSH1, hMSH2, TP53, and DCC loci, and ras mutations in two patients. The gonadal tumors from the patients were combined gonadoblastoma and dysgerminoma. Microsatellite instability and/or loss of heterozygotes (LOH) at hMSH1, hMSH2, and TP53 were detected in the dysgerminoma lesions of the both patients, but were not observed in any normal tissues. In the analyses of the H-, K-, or N-ras genes, where specific mutations have been frequently reported, no mutations were observed in the tumors. It is suggested therefore that microsatellite instability plays an important role in malignant transformation of gonadal tumors in patients with XY pure gonadal dysgenesis.

Adolescent↗

Gonadal stage-dependent effects of gonadal steroids on gonadotropin II secretion in the Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus).

Involvement of gonadal steroids in the control of gonadotropin II (GTH II) (homologous to LH) secretion was investigated in the Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) using gonadectomy (Gx) and steroid replacement paradigms. Gonadectomy in males and females during the late gonadal recrudescence phase elicited significant increases in the gonadotropin response to stimulation by an LHRH analog (LHRHa), without altering basal GTH II secretion. Slow-release silicone elastomer implants of testosterone or estradiol significantly inhibited LHRHa-induced GTH II secretion in gonad-intact and Gx males, and in Gx females, whereas 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone, a nonaromatizable androgen, was ineffective. Pretreatment of fish with an aromatase inhibitor, 1,4, 6-androstatrien-3,17-dione, 2 days before the administration of testosterone implants, completely blocked the negative effect of testosterone on LHRHa-induced GTH II secretion in males, but only partially restored it in females. This suggests that the negative feedback of testosterone in males is primarily mediated by its conversion to estradiol at the level of the hypothalamus and/or pituitary gland, while in females the androgen may also exert a direct inhibitory effect on GTH II secretion, probably mediated via an androgen receptor. In addition, estradiol and testosterone exerted positive effects on basal and LHRHa-induced GTH II secretion during the early-recrudescence phase of the gonadal cycle. The steroids switched to a negative effect on LHRHa-induced GTH II secretion once the fish had fully developed gonads, possibly as a mechanism that prevents a precocious surge in GTH II secretion and final gamete maturation until gametogenesis is complete and the environmental conditions are appropriate for spawning.

Animals↗