Reproductive System, Male

Coagulating Gland - Dilation, Acinar

Narrative
Comment:
Acinar dilation is characterized by distension of glandular acini with abundant secretory product, reduction or loss of epithelial papillary folds, and flattening of the lining epithelium. Dilated acini may be distinguished by their turgid appearance, increased staining intensity of the retained secretion, and increased acinar size. This is likely an age-related change, and a causal association with chemical administration has not been established. Some pathologists do not diagnose the degree of dilation shown in Figure 1 and consider it to be within normal variation. The degree of ascinar dilation shown in Figure 2 definitely warrants diagnosis.
Recommendations:
If a diagnosis of acinar dilation is made for a degree of dilation as shown in Figure 1, this change should be graded and consistently evaluated in all animals. In such a situation, the pathology narrative can provide diagnostic criteria used to support the diagnosis. The degree of dilation shown in Figure 2 is beyond expected normal variation and should be diagnosed and graded.
References:

Boorman GA, Elwell MR, Mitsumori K. 1990. Male accessory sex glands, penis, and scrotum. In: Pathology of the Fischer Rat: Reference and Atlas (Boorman GA, Eustis SL, Elwell MR, Montgomery CA, MacKenzie WF, eds). Academic Press, San Diego, 419-428.

Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nlmcatalog/9002563

Gordon LR, Majka JA, Boorman GA. 1996. Spontaneous nonneoplastic and neoplastic lesions and experimentally induced neoplasms of the testes and accessory sex glands. In: Pathobiology of the Aging Mouse, Vol 1 (Mohr U, Dungworth DL, Capen CC, Carlton WW, Sundberg JP, Ward JM, eds). ILSI Press, Washington, DC, 421-441.

Abstract: http://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/008994685

Suwa T, Nyska A, Haseman JK, Mahler JF, Maronpot RR. 2002. Spontaneous lesions in control B6C3F1 mice and recommended sectioning of male accessory sex organs. Toxicol Pathol 30(2):228- 234.

Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11950166
  • Image of dilation, acinar in the coagulating gland from a male B6C3F1 mouse in a chronic study

    Coagulating Gland - Dilation, Acinar. Acinar dilation of the coagulating gland in a male B6C3F1 mouse from a chronic study.

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<p>Coagulating Gland - Dilation, Acinar. Acinar dilation of the coagulating gland in a male B6C3F1 mouse from a chronic study.</p>

Coagulating Gland - Dilation, Acinar. Acinar dilation of the coagulating gland in a male B6C3F1 mouse from a chronic study.
<p>Coagulating Gland - Dilation, Acinar. Collapsed acini with infolding of epithelial structures are present (arrows) in a male B6C3F1 mouse from a chronic study.</p>

Coagulating Gland - Dilation, Acinar. Collapsed acini with infolding of epithelial structures are present (arrows) in a male B6C3F1 mouse from a chronic study.

Authors

Dianne M. Creasy, PhD, Dip RCPath, FRCPath
Dianne Creasy Consulting LLC
Pipersville, PA

Robert R. Maronpot, DVM, MS, MPH, DACVP, DABT, FIATP
Senior Pathologist
Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC

Dipak K. Giri, DVM, PHD, DACVP
Toxicologic Pathologist
Integrated Laboratory Systems, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC

Reviewers

Mark F. Cesta, DVM, PhD, DACVP
Staff Scientist, NTP Pathologist
Cellular and Molecular Pathology Branch
Division of the National Toxicology Program
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Research Triangle Park, NC

David E. Malarkey DVM, PhD, DACVP, FIATP
Head, National Toxicology Program Pathology Group
Cellular and Molecular Pathology Branch
Division of the National Toxicology Program
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Research Triangle Park, NC