Hyperplasia and Neoplasia of the Interstitial Cells of the Testicle

Leydig cell hyperplasia

“…It is only at puberty that the Leydig cells increase in number and acquire their characteristic appearance. As a man ages, the number of Leydig cells gradually decreases, until with very old age and testicular atrophy, the number of Leydig cells increases as the seminiferous tubules atrophy and the interstitial cells increase [ 1]. The total Leydig cell population decreases by half during the first 30 years of adult life.…”

“…As early as 1937, Jemerin [ 1] attempted to differentiate Leydig cell hyperplasia (LCH) from neoplasia. He found only isolated cases of hyperplastic interstitial cells, which in retrospect may have been misinterpreted as neoplasia.…”

“…LCH has also been observed in local conditions, such as chronic compression of the spermatic cord, stricture of the vas deferens and chronic diseases of the bladder and prostate. There have been several experimental studies in animals resulting in LCH [ 1] similar to the Leydig cell proliferation found in humans. Conditions causing cessation of spermatogenic activity and tubular atrophy appear to lead to LCH.…”

“…Conditions causing cessation of spermatogenic activity and tubular atrophy appear to lead to LCH. Experiments in dogs with testicular atrophy after exposure to irradiation, ligation of the vas deferens in rabbits, and chronic alcohol consumption or tuberculous infection in rats all resulted in LCH [ 1]. Similarly, LCH is seen in pseudohermaphrodites in whom testicular function is diminished or absent.…”