Reproductive System, Male

Testis - Fibrosis

Narrative

Comment:

While modest amounts of fibrosis can be seen in chronic inflammation of the testis, the degree of fibrosis present in Figure 1 warrants an independent diagnosis. Fibrosis is usually associated with replacement of testicular parenchyma by fibroblasts and collagen following necrosis and inflammation. This can be focal, multifocal, or extensive (Figure 1, asterisk), with extension to the tunica albuginea. The fibrosis may be accompanied by mineralization (arrow) and inflammation (Figure 2). Distribution can be unilateral or bilateral. Testicular fibrosis is induced in rats by chronic cocaine or cadmium administration.

Recommendations:

Fibrosis should be diagnosed and graded if it represents a primary lesion and when warranted by extent and severity and should be discussed in the pathology narrative if the incidence and/or severity appears to be related to chemical administration. If present in both testes, it should be diagnosed as bilateral.

References:

Barroso-Moguel R, Méndez-Armenta M, Villeda-Hernàndez J. 1994. Testicular lesions by chronic administration of cocaine in rats. J Appl Toxicol 14:37-41.

Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8157868

Bomhard E, Vogel O, Loser E. 1987. Chronic effects on single and multiple oral and subcutaneous cadmium administrations on the testes of Wistar rats. Cancer Lett 36:307-315.

Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3652031

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: https://doi.org/10.1177/0192623312454337

Gouveia MA. 1988. The testes in cadmium intoxication: Morphological and vascular aspects. Andrologia 20:225-231.

Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3177901

Jana K, Samanta PK. 2006. Evaluation of single intratesticular injection of calcium chloride for nonsurgical sterilization in adult albino rats. Contraception 73:289-300.

Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16472573

All Images

Testis - Fibrosis in a male Swiss CD-1 mouse from a chronic study. Fibrosis (asterisk) with extension into the tunica albuginea.

Testis - Fibrosis in a male Swiss CD-1 mouse from a chronic study. This higher magnification of Figure 1 also has dystrophic mineralization (arrow).

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