Reproductive System, Male

Testis - Rete Dilation

Narrative

Comment:

Dilation of the rete testis (Figure 1) is a relatively common incidental finding in aging mice. The normal rete testis comprises a series of ductular channels called tubuli recti that lie subjacent to the capsule at the cranial pole of the testis. They are lined by a low cuboidal epithelium and are joined to the seminiferous tubules by transitional tubules that are lined by Sertoli cells and occasional germ cells. The transitional tubules and the tubuli recti can be mistaken for atrophic seminiferous tubules (see Testis - Seminiferous Tubule - Dilation for normal histology of rete testis). Partial obstruction to the outflow of fluid from the testis is the most common cause of rete testis dilation, and this can be incidental or chemically induced. The finding may also be associated with dilation of the adjacent seminiferous tubular lumens (see Testis - Sperm Stasis ). The dilated ducts may be empty or filled with sperm (see).

Recommendations:

Rete testis dilation should be diagnosed and graded and should be discussed in the pathology narrative if the incidence and/or severity appears to be related to chemical administration. Bilateral involvement should be diagnosed when present. Attention should be paid to any evidence of gross or microscopic lesions within the initial segment of the epididymis or the epididymal fat pad (location of the efferent ducts) that may reflect sperm granulomas, sperm stasis, or dilated ducts. Rete testis dilation may be associated with seminiferous tubular dilation and/or germinal epithelial atrophy, since these may be a consequence of obstruction of fluid outflow.

Related Links:

Testis - Seminiferous Tubule - Dilation
Testis - Sperm Stasis

References:

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

La DK, Johnson CA, Creasy DM, Hess RA, Baxter E, Pereira M, Snook SS. 2011. Efferent duct toxicity with secondary testicular changes in rats following administration of a novel leukotriene A4 hydrolase inhibitor. Toxicol Pathol 40:705-714.

Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22552396

Piner J, Sutherland M, Millar M, Turner K, Newall D, Sharpe RM. 2002. Changes in vascular dynamics of the adult rat testis leading to transient accumulation of seminiferous tubule fluid after administration of a novel 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) agonist. Reprod Toxicol 16:141-150.

Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11955945

All Images

Testis, Rete testis - Dilation in a male B6C3F1 mouse from a chronic study. The rete testis is dilated.