Hormone profiles and testicular histology in azoospermic men with sex chromosome aberrations, autosomal anomalies and normal karyotype.

Hormone profiles and testicular histology were studied in azoospermic men with sex chromosome aberrations, autosomal anomalies, and normal karyotype. In patients with sex chromosome aberrations, levels of plasma gonadotropins were significantly higher than those with autosomal anomalies and normal karyotype. The testosterone level in plasma was considerably lower in those with sex chromosome aberrations than in other groups. The prolactin level in plasma was not significantly different among the three groups. The administration of LH-RH resulted in a remarkably lower response of plasma gonadotropins in sex chromosome anomalies than in other groups. The response of plasma testosterone to the administration of hCG was also significantly decreased in those with sex chromosome aberrations compared with other groups. Johnsen score count and diameter of the seminiferous tubules were considerably reduced in those with sex chromosome anomalies compared with other groups, while wall thickness and Leydig cells per seminiferous tubule were significantly increased. It would appear that hormone disturbances and testicular alterations are less marked in azoospermic men with autosomal anomalies than in those with sex chromosome aberrations.