Reproductive System, Male

Testis, Interstitial Cell - Syncytial Cells

Narrative
Comment:
The syncytial cell formation is unusual and has not been described in the literature. The interstitial syncytial cells may represent Leydig cells or macrophages. These can be distinguished using a Periodic acid-Schiff stain, which stains macrophages but not Leydig cells. The pathogenesis and significance of this lesion are unknown.
Recommendations:
Interstitial syncytial cells should be diagnosed and graded when present and should be discussed in the pathology narrative if the incidence and/or severity appears to be related to chemical administration. Diagnosis should indicate bilaterality when present.
  • Image of interstitial cell syncytial cells in the testis from a male FVB/N mouse in a chronic study

    Testis, Interstitial cell - Vacuolation in a male FVB/N transgenic mouse from a chronic study. There are interstitial syncytial cells (arrows).

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<p>Testis, Interstitial cell - Vacuolation in a male FVB/N transgenic mouse from a chronic study. There are interstitial syncytial cells (arrows).</p>

Testis, Interstitial cell - Vacuolation in a male FVB/N transgenic mouse from a chronic study. There are interstitial syncytial cells (arrows).
<p>Testis, Interstitial cell - Vacuolation in a male FVB/N transgenic mouse from a chronic study. There are interstitial syncytial cells (arrows) accompanied by vacuolation of Leydig cells.</p>

Testis, Interstitial cell - Vacuolation in a male FVB/N transgenic mouse from a chronic study. There are interstitial syncytial cells (arrows) accompanied by vacuolation of Leydig cells.