Pathology of the reproductive tract 3

Question 1

Name the three testicular cell types

Answer 1

• Germ cells
• Interstitial cells (leydig cells)
• Sertoli cells

Question 2

What is the function of interstitial cells?

Answer 2

Produce androgens (and oestrogens) under the influence of ICSH (= LH)

Question 3

What are the functions of Sertoli cells?

Answer 3

• Support germ cells in seminiferous ductules

- Secrete androgen-binding protein into ductular lumen and thereby support spermatogenesis

Question 4

Describe testicular hypoplasia

Answer 4

• Occurs in most domestic species.
• Uni or bilateral with various degrees of severity
• Can be linked to toxins / hormonal imbalances / Zn deficiency / hybrids (mule).
• Often in association with cryptorchid or chromasomal abnormalities eg. XXY (Klinefelter syndrome)

Question 5

What is the main consequence of testicular hypoplasia?

Answer 5

Lack of spermatogenesis

Question 6

Define cryptorchidism

Answer 6

Incomplete descent of testis

Question 7

Describe the features of cryptorchidism

Answer 7

• Abdominal or inguinal
• Bi- or unilateral
• Tumours are more frequent
• Can be enlarged

Question 8

Abdominal testes are prone to?

Answer 8

Torsion

Question 9

How will acute degeneration/atrophy of the testis appear histologically?

Answer 9

Hydropic degeneration, pyknosis, multinucleate giant cells, oligo- and aspermia

Question 10

How are chronic stages of degeneration/atrophy characterised?

Answer 10

Reduced size and progressive fibrosis

Question 11

Name some causes of testicular atrophy

Answer 11

• Trauma
• Compression
• Circulatory disorders
• Inflammation
• Infection
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Hyperthermia
• Cryptorchidism
• Ionising radiation
• Hyperoestrogenism
• Senile atrophy

Question 12

Compression atrophy can occur due to?

Answer 12

Traumas

Question 13

What is the optimal temperature for normal testicular function

Answer 13

20 degrees

Question 14

How does hyperoestrogenism cause testicular atrophy

Answer 14

Sertoli cell tumours; suppression of gonadotropin secretion by elevated oestrogen

Question 15

Describe testicular torsion

Answer 15

Rare
Often as a sequelae to orchitis but also idiopathic
Partial vs total
Total = ischaemic necrosis

Question 16

Inflammation usually occurs due to?

Answer 16

Infection

Question 17

Describe orchitis and epididymitis causes

Answer 17

Purulent inflammation often due to streptococci, staphylococci, E. coli, Arcanobacterium pyogenes, often abscess formation

Question 18

What are the ROI for orchitis and epididymitis

Answer 18

Haematogenous-metastatic
Ascending infection
External wounds

Question 19

What are the two causes of orchitis and epididymitis in horses?

Answer 19

Salmonella abortus equi

Equine viral arteritis

Question 20

What are the three causes of orchitis and epididymitis in sheep?

Answer 20

• Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis
• Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
• Brucella ovis

Question 21

Describe the gross appearance of suppurative epididymitis

Answer 21

Testicular parenchyma surrounded by the epididymis

The epididymis is completely expanded by an accumulation of suppurative exudate

Question 22

What are the two causes of orchitis and epididymitis in dogs?

Answer 22

E.coli

Brucella canis

Question 23

What are the two causes of orchitis and epididymitis in cattle

Answer 23

Brucella abortus

Tuberculosis

Question 24

Describe the gross appearance of Chronic granulomatous orchitis in a bull

Answer 24

Multi-focal to coalescing yellow/tan pale foci

Question 25

Name the four types of testicular tumours

Answer 25

- Seminoma - Sertoli cell tumour - Interstitial (Leydig) cell tumour - Teratoma

Question 26

Seminomas are derived from?

Answer 26

Germ cells

Question 27

Describe the appearance of seminomas

Answer 27

Firm, bulging, white to pale grey cut surface | May become quite large - generally increases the size of the testis

Question 28

Sertoli cell tumours are derived from?

Answer 28

Supporting cells of seminiferous tubules

Question 29

Describe the appearance of Sertoli cell tumours

Answer 29

Bulging, whitish-grey cut surface | May become large (-15 cm in diameter)

Question 30

Describe the signs and effects of Sertoli cell tumours

Answer 30

- Signs of feminisation in 25% (oestrogen +/or inhibin production -> reduced testosterone) - Bilateral alopecia - Cutaneous hyperpigmentation - Atrophy of opposite testis - Pendulous prepuce - Varying degrees of gynecomastia - Attraction of male dogs - Bone marrow suppression - Squamous metaplasia of prostate gland epithelium

Question 31

Describe the histological appearance of Sertoli cell tumours

Answer 31

Atrophy of the testicular parenchyma | Seminiferous tubular atrophy – instead of having germ cells and producing spermatozoa, only the Sertoli cells are left

Question 32

Interstitial cell tumours are derived from?

Answer 32

Interstitial cells surrounding seminiferous tubules | These are normally the androgen producing cells

Question 33

Describe the gross appearance of interstitial cell tumours

Answer 33

Soft, yellow to orange, well demarcated, bulging cut surface often with haemorrhage + cystic spaces Usually not larger than 1-2 cm in diameter (dog) Very rare metastases

Question 34

Describe the histo appearance of interstitial cell tumours

Answer 34

Solid pattern with some more cystic areas and haemorrhage Cells have a vacuolated cytoplasm – this cells type normally produces steroid based hormones (lipid), so there are lipid based droplets in the cytoplasm

Question 35

Name some diseases of the prostate

Answer 35

- Atrophy - Squamous metaplasia - Prostatitis

Question 36

When does prostate atrophy occur?

Answer 36

Most frequent after castration + oestrogen administration

Question 37

Prostatic hyperplasia affects which animals?

Answer 37

Older intact male dogs

Question 38

Describe the features of prostatic hyperplasia

Answer 38

- Diffuse expansion of the gland (dorsally) -> compression of colon + difficult defecation - Often with cyst formation + occ. prostatitis - Not necessarily a premalignant lesion - Associated with increase in level of potent androgen within gland

Question 39

Describe the gross features of prostatic hyperplasia

Answer 39

Bilaterally symmetrical – smooth | Squamous metaplasia

Question 40

Name the most common prostatic tumour

Answer 40

Adenocarcinoma

Question 41

Describe the malignancy importance of a prostatic adenocarcinoma

Answer 41

Metastasis -> regional lymph nodes, urinary bladder (occlusion of ureters) and periproctal connective tissue

Question 42

How can a prostatic carcinoma be differentiated from prostatic hyperplasia on a rectal exam?

Answer 42

Bilaterally symmetrical and smooth = hyperplasia | If its not symmetrical has an irregular surface = tumour

Question 43

Name the terms used for inflammation of different parts of the penis

Answer 43

``` Phalloposthitis = entire penis and prepuce Blanoposthitis = glans penis and prepuce ```

Question 44

Name the most common tumour of the penis and prepuce in bulls

Answer 44

Fibropapiloma

Question 45

What is the cause of fibropapillomas?

Answer 45

Bovine papilloma virus type 1

Question 46

Describe a gross fibropapiloma

Answer 46

Multifocal to coalescing nodular papillary masses of the penis

Question 47

Name the most common tumour of the penis and prepuce in stallions

Answer 47

Squamous cell papilloma - benign - often multiple

Question 48

Describe another tumour of the penis and prepuce in stallions

Answer 48

Sarcoids

Question 49

Describe Sarcoids of the penis and prepuce

Answer 49

Locally invasive subcutaneous fibrous nodules Induced by bovine papilloma virus type 1 Occasionally located at penis + prepuce, but more frequent in other skin locations

Question 50

Describe squamous cell carcinomas in stallions

Answer 50

- Most often on glans penis - Often superficially ulcerated + necrotic - Unless early Dx, prognosis is guarded - Metastasis to inguinal lymph nodes is common