Stereological Analysis of Peritubular Cells in Aging Mouse Testes

ObjectiveTo analyse quantitative changes of testicular peritubular cells in aging mice, and meanwhile investigate age-related changes in both Sertoli cells and germ cells with stereology.MethodsThirty male Kunming mice were enrolled in this study. The aged mice (n=15) were 18 months old. The young mice (n=15) were 6 months old, as the control. Haematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe histological changes. Pathological evaluation rules of assignment scores were made to evaluate. Stereology techniques were applied to quantitatively analyse histological structure of the testicular tissues.ResultsCompared with young group, pathologic assignment scores of aging group were significantly higher (P<0.05). Diameter of seminiferous tubules in aging mice was atrophied significantly (P<0.05). Germ cell numerical density and Sertoli cell volume density of aging group were reduced significantly compared with young group (P<0.05). No significant differences were found in peritubular cell parameters compared with young group (P>0.05).ConclusionThe pathological assignment scores suggest a succession of changes on the testis with age. The stereological numbers demonstrate damaged Sertoli cells and decreased germ cells, which is indicative of spermatogenic disturbance. However, no significant quantity changes of peritubular cells is observed in aging mice.