Reproductive System, Male

Seminal Vesicle - Mineralization

Narrative

Comment:

Mineralization consists of deposition of irregular amorphous basophilic material (Figure 1,Figure 2, and Figure 3 ). It can be focal or multifocal (arrows, Figure 1 and Figure 2). Mineralization is uncommon in the seminal vesicle and is likely an incidental finding not associated with chemical treatment. Metastatic mineralization occurs in normal tissues and is associated with elevated blood calcium levels. Dystrophic mineral deposits occur in abnormal tissues and are not associated with elevated blood calcium levels. In Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3, the seminal vesicle is atrophic with increased connective tissue, indicating that the mineralization is probably dystrophic.

Recommendations:

Mineralization should be diagnosed and given a severity grade. If both seminal vesicles are involved, the diagnosis should be qualified as bilateral, and the severity grade should be based on the more severely affect seminal vesicle.

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

Creasy D, Bube A, de Rijk E, Kandori H, Kuwahara M, Masson R, Nolte T, Reams R, Regan K, Rehm S, Rogerson P, Whitney K. 2012. Proliferative and nonproliferative lesions of the rat and mouse male reproductive system. Toxicol Pathol 40:40S-121S.

Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22949412

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

Radovsky A, Mitsumori K, Chapin RE. 1999. Male reproductive tract. In: Pathology of the Mouse: Reference and Atlas (Maronpot RR, Boorman GA, Gaul BW, eds). Cache River Press, Vienna, IL, 381-407.

Abstract: http://www.cacheriverpress.com/books/pathmouse.htm

All Images

Seminal Vesicle - Mineralization. Arrows indicate multifocal mineral deposits in a male F344/N rat from a chronic study.

Seminal Vesicle - Mineralization. Higher magnification of Figure 1. Arrows indicate multifocal mineral deposits in a male F344/N rat from a chronic study.

Seminal Vesicle - Mineralization. Higher magnification of Figure 2. Multifocal mineral deposit in a male F344/N rat from a chronic study.

Authors and Reviewers

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