Do Nonspermatozoal Cells Mainly Stem from Spermiogenesis? Study of 106 Fertile and 102 Subfertile Men

Abstract

The various nonspermatozoal cell types in the semen of 106 fertile (F) and 102 subfertile (SF) men were described and their relative proportions estimated. About 94% (F) and 90% (SF) were found to be germinal elements, among which, respectively, about 27% and 51% were spermatids, 48% and 36% residual bodies, 19.4% and 2.6% primary spermatocytes, 0.03% and 0.61% spermatogonia. The epithelial cells and blood cells represented about 6% (F) and 10% (SF) of the nonspermatozoal cells; in F men 5.3% and in SF men 9.5% were found to be polymorphonuclear leucocytes. In SF men the predominance of spermatids might be due to a particular fragility of spermiogenesis. To the three stages of spermatogenesis-the gonial multiplication, meiosis, and spermiogenesis-might correspond three specific pathologies. A pathology of the very germ cell production was thus suggested, as well as a pathology of the means by which the final product would be controlled. The Sertoli cell was supposed to be mainly involved in the latter process.

Human immature germ cells and ejaculated spermatozoa contain aromatase and oestrogen receptors

“…It has been shown that germ cells constitute the main component of non-sperm cells in semen from men without infections (Auroux et al 1985, Jassim & Festenstein 1987, Smith et al 1989. Moreover, it has also been reported that purified immature germ cells isolated from semen samples could be useful for diagnostic and research purposes (Gandini et al 1999).…”

Nonsperm Cells in Human Semen: With Special Reference to Seminal Leukocytes and their Possible Influence on Fertility

“…They often contain 2 or more haploid nuclei (Table 1) and therefore may be confused with polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMN). Auroux et al [5] found a higher concentration of spermatids in semen samples from subfertile than from fertile men. Another study showed an inverse association between the primary spermatocyte/spermatid ratio and the sperm concentration [36].…”

“…Anucleate bodies are the most frequently occurring nonsperm cell elements in the semen [5]. Occasionally, these anucleate bodies contain membraneous organelles [77], in which case they are called residual bodies.…”

Study on the Origin of Seminal Leucocytes Using Split Ejaculate Technique and the Effect of Leucocytospermia on Sperm Characteristics

“…Leucocytospermia, defined as 61 million peroxidase-positive leucocytes/ml of semen [4], has been associated with poor semen quality and genital tract infections [5]. Leucocytospermia is more common in subfertile than in fertile men [6] and is associated with impaired sperm motility [7]. The accessory sex gland functions are also impaired in subjects with leucocytospermia [8].…”