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