TY - JOUR

T1 - The Expression of Markers for Intratubular Germ Cell Neoplasia in Normal Infantile Testes

AU - Kvist, Kolja

AU - Clasen-Linde, Erik

AU - Langballe, Oline

AU - Hansen, Steen Holger

AU - Cortes, Dina

AU - Thorup, Jorgen

PY - 2018/6/1

Y1 - 2018/6/1

N2 - Background: Positive immunohistochemical expression of testicular cancer markers is often reported beyond 12 months of age in cryptorchid testes, which is assumed to indicate delayed maturation of the fetal germ cells, or neoplastic changes. These findings allowed for questions as to the extent of positive reaction in normal testes. The aim of the study was to clarify the expression of these markers in a normal material up to 2 years. Methods: Testicular material from 69 boys aged 1-690 days, who died of causes with no association of testicular pathology. Histology sections were incubated with primary antibodies including anti-placental-like alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), anti-C-Kit, anti-D2-40, and anti-Oct3/4. The mean germ cell number per tubular transverse section (G/T) was calculated based on the G/T of both testes of every boy. Results: The mean G/T declined through the 690 days. PLAP appeared stably expressed throughout the ages studied. The likelihood of a positive reaction for C-Kit waned with increasing age within the study period. Positive staining for D2-40 and Oct3/4 was demonstrated up to 6 and 9 months respectively. Conclusion: Up to 1 or 2 years of age, normal infantile testes contain germ cells positive for the immunohistochemical markers commonly utilized to aid in the detection of testicular cancer. This finding supports the concept of germ cells undergoing a continuous maturational process in a heterogeneous fashion, and that this process is not complete by 2 years of age.

AB - Background: Positive immunohistochemical expression of testicular cancer markers is often reported beyond 12 months of age in cryptorchid testes, which is assumed to indicate delayed maturation of the fetal germ cells, or neoplastic changes. These findings allowed for questions as to the extent of positive reaction in normal testes. The aim of the study was to clarify the expression of these markers in a normal material up to 2 years. Methods: Testicular material from 69 boys aged 1-690 days, who died of causes with no association of testicular pathology. Histology sections were incubated with primary antibodies including anti-placental-like alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), anti-C-Kit, anti-D2-40, and anti-Oct3/4. The mean germ cell number per tubular transverse section (G/T) was calculated based on the G/T of both testes of every boy. Results: The mean G/T declined through the 690 days. PLAP appeared stably expressed throughout the ages studied. The likelihood of a positive reaction for C-Kit waned with increasing age within the study period. Positive staining for D2-40 and Oct3/4 was demonstrated up to 6 and 9 months respectively. Conclusion: Up to 1 or 2 years of age, normal infantile testes contain germ cells positive for the immunohistochemical markers commonly utilized to aid in the detection of testicular cancer. This finding supports the concept of germ cells undergoing a continuous maturational process in a heterogeneous fashion, and that this process is not complete by 2 years of age.

KW - Germ cells

KW - Immunohistochemistry

KW - Testicular neoplasms

KW - Testis

KW - Testis maturation

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85048598538&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.3389/fendo.2018.00286

DO - 10.3389/fendo.2018.00286

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 29910774

AN - SCOPUS:85048598538

VL - 9

SP - 1

EP - 7

JO - Frontiers in Endocrinology

JF - Frontiers in Endocrinology

SN - 1664-2392

M1 - 286

ER -