Presence of CRABP-1 and CA-IX in Human Testis Diagnosed with Klinefelter's and Sertoli Cell-Only Syndrome (SCOS): Effect on Spermatogenesis

Complete spermatogenesis is clearly described in seminiferous tubules of normal adult human testis. In histological studies of testicular biopsies with a Klinefelter diagnosis, seminiferous tubules are shown with a total or partial absence ofspermatogenesis in the sustentacular cells, an anomaly known as Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS). Testicular metabolism is sensitive to the regulation of retinoic acid and the acid-base balance. Retinoic acid (CRABP) and its metabolites appear as regulators of cell proliferation and differentiation. Carbonic anhydrase (CA or RCC) regulates a variety of cellular functions, including several processes in reproductive systems. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the interaction and presence of CRABP-1 and CA-IX in human testicular biopsies diagnosed with Secondary Klinefelter and SCOS and its possible effect on altered spermatogenesis. Testicular biopsies were processed with normal routine histology technique (PAS/hematoxylin). Mouse polyclonal antibody was used for the immunohistochemical (IHC) study of CA-IX and anti-CRABP-1 antibody was used for CRABP-1. Positive cells are characterized by having a red nucleus. The results show great positivity for CRABP-1 in Sertoli cells (sustentacular cells) while for CA-IX, positive cells are expressed in the interstitial compartment. The bar graphs (Mann Whitney test, p≤0.05) show significant statistical differences between the different germinal compartments under study. It is concluded that the metabolism of an acidophilic condition, due to the action of CRABP-1 and CA-IX in testes with a diagnosis of Klinefelter and SCOS, could be the causes of damage to spermatogenesis in men.