Abstract: Objective To observe the pathological changes and sex hormones levels in patients with Sertoli cell only syndrome(SCOS), and to analyze the feasibility of etiological treatment. Methods The testis biopsy samples of 147 SCOS cases were selected, including 74 cases(type I)and 73 cases(type II). The morphological changes were observed with light and electron microscope, and the testicular volume was determined. Sex hormones including follicle stimulating hormone(FSH), luteinizing hormone(LH)and testosterone(T)levels were detected in these patients and 100 healthy controls. Results Under light microscope, the SCOS cases exhibited complete absence of sperm cells; the seminiferous epithelium was composed of sertoli cells, which were disorderly arranged; the seminiferous tubule of 61 SCOS cases showed extensive fibrosis and hyaline degeneration; the lumen was smaller even blocked, and the interstitial cells were hyperplasia. Electron microscope observed that collagen fibrous tissue hyperplasia in the membranes, and abundant endoplasmic reticulum in the cytoplasm of sertoli cells; mitochondria cristae disappeared and became vacuous, and much autolysosome was found in the cytoplasm of sertoli cells. FSH and LH levels were elevated in SCOS cases 山 东 大 学 学 报 (医 学 版)55卷1期 -刘雯,等.147例唯支持细胞综合征患者的睾丸病理分型和性激素分析 \=-(P<0.05), while there was no difference in T levels between SCOS cases and normal controls (P>0.05). Conclusion By testicular biopsy, we might classify SCOS according to the state of the seminiferous tubule membrane. The serum FSH level elevates in different pathological types of SCOS. Therefore, the state of seminiferous tubule membrane and changes of sex hormones might provide information for the treatment of SCOS with different pathogenesis.

Key words: Sex hormones, Sertoli cell only syndrome, Membranes of the seminiferous tubule, Pathological changes