Electron Microscopic Changes of Peritubular Macrophages of Rat Testis Under Conditions of Central Blockage of Luteinizing Hormone Synthesis by Triptorellin During 90 Days of Observation.

Abstract

Introduction. Macrophages are cells of the innate immune system that play many roles in the body. Macrophages are known to be found in endocrine glands, and there is now much evidence that these cells interact closely with endocrine cells. Immune-endocrine interactions are important for the development of endocrine glands and their functioning during physiological states, and also become key players in pathophysiological states. Through gene expression profiling, diverse subpopulations of tissue macrophages have been identified in endocrine organs; this has important implications for disease pathogenesis and potential pharmacotherapy. The molecular basis of the relationship between macrophages and endocrine cells is being revealed, allowing the identification of numerous points for pharmacological intervention. Macrophages are the main immune cells of the testis, but their origin, heterogeneity, and development have not been sufficiently studied.
 Object and methods. The study was conducted on 20 adult male rats. Animals were randomly divided into 2 groups: control (10 animals) and intact (10 animals). Animals of the control group were injected with physiological solution in a dose of 0.3 ml. Preparation of material for electron microscopic examination of the structures of the interstitial space of the testis was carried out according to the generally accepted method.
 Results and discussion. We identified two populations of macrophages located in the interstitial space of the testes, considering their location and functional capacity. The results of our research showed that under the influence of central blocking of LH synthesis, the morphogenesis of antigen-presenting cells of the interstitial space of the testis, namely macrophages, occurs. These modifications indicate an inversion of their polarization, which, in turn, leads to a microscopic reorganization of cells, in particular their activation (M1) to perform certain functional activities in the organ.
 Conclusions. In the early stages of central blocking of LH synthesis, metabolic and functional disorders were detected in the parenchyma and stroma of the organ, which led to signs of ultrastructural and functional stress, which manifested itself in a quantitative shift of the macrophage population in the direction of an increase in peritubular macrophages.