Polled Intersex Syndrome with urethral atresia in a goat

A 5-day-old hornless goat was referred with dysuria since birth. The scrotum was absent, and a small penis-like structure was seen below the perineal raphe. On the laparotomy, the testicles were found near the inguinal ring- and attached to a uterus-like structure. On histological analysis, the uterus-like structure was blind-end. Germ cells were absent in the testis. The karyotype of this goat was 60, XX and the SRY gene was absent. The goat was homozygous for a DNA deletion responsible for the Polled Intersex Syndrome (PIS). To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report as the clinical case of the PIS-/- goat with urethral atresia.     

Bilateral Leydig cell tumor in a six-year-old intersex goat affected by Polled Intersex Syndrome

A 6-year-old, sterile, Blanca Celtibérica breed adult doe was referred to our faculty. The doe had external female genitalia, a short anogenital distance, and normally shaped udders. Masculinization signs in the head shape and male behavior were also noted at the time of referral. Genetic analysis demonstrated normal 2n = 60 XX karyotype and an absence of the sex-determining region Y (SRY). The animal was homozygous for a DNA deletion responsible for the Polled Intersex Syndrome (PIS). A uterus and 2 uterine horns were present at the postmortem examination. Gartner's ducts and degenerated Wolffian derivatives persisted. There were 2 intra-abdominal testicle-like structures, one of which consisted of epididymal and deferent ducts. An advanced Leydig cell tumor, resulting in almost total destruction of the intratesticular structures, was also observed. Leydig cell tumors usually produce testosterone. Thus, these histologic findings are compatible with the evident virilization.     

Testicular Neoplasms (Interstitial and Sertoli Cell Tumours) in a Domestic Ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

Unilateral testicular enlargement was detected in a 5‐years‐old domestic ferret during a routine sterilization. The right testicle showed two different types of proliferative lesions: (i) round nodules, well demarcated, showing a soft yellow tissue; (ii) white nodules, firm, with irregular‐shaped invaginations. Microscopically, the neoplastic proliferations were identified as an interstitial neoplasm and Sertoli cell tumour, respectively. The left testicle was small and showed intense testicular atrophy. Clinical evaluation of the ferret did not show any other apparent pathological processes. This study is the first case reporting the concomitant occurrence of a Sertoli cells tumour and an interstitial cell tumour in a domestic ferret.     

崂山奶山羊无角间性综合征生殖缺陷基因的基因型分析

【目的】试验旨在对崂山奶山羊无角间性综合征(polled intersex syndrome,PIS)生殖缺陷基因进行定位并分析其基因型。【方法】以155只崂山奶山羊为研究对象,其中有角公羊9只、有角母羊34只、无角母羊29只、无角公羊47只、间性山羊36只。对36只间性山羊进行表型特征分析;以155只崂山奶山羊血液基因组DNA为材料进行遗传学性别鉴定;根据山羊基因组DNA的完整序列信息(RefSeq:NC_030808.1)分别设计PIS wt-2、PIS wt-3和PIS var-2 3对扩增引物,利用PCR方法验证山羊PIS区是否存在198 bp替换和108 bp缺失,并分析不同性状山羊PIS基因的基因型。【结果】36只间性山羊包括17只大阴蒂雄性假间性、12只拟雌性假间性和7只短阴茎间性这3种不同的表型,其性染色体均为XX;山羊PIS区是完全缺失的,且在129 427 003~129 427 905 bp区域并不存在198 bp替换和108 bp缺失;间性山羊的基因型全为突变纯合子,其突变类型为10.1 kb缺失/480 kb重复双突变;有角山羊的基因型全为野生型纯合子,没有发生10.1 kb缺失/480 kb重复;在检测的无角山羊中,有10只10.1 kb缺失/480 kb重复双突变纯合子公羊,其余无角山羊的基因型为10.1 kb缺失/480 kb重复单突变的杂合子。【结论】间性山羊的出现是由于10.1 kb的完全缺失和1个反向插入的约480 kb大小的重复片段导致,且间性性状仅发生在纯合子母羊中,而公羊的纯合缺失并不会出现间性性状。结果可为进一步揭示山羊无角性状的遗传机制以及培育崂山奶山羊无角新品系提供参考。     

Persistent Mullerian Duct Syndrome in a Miniature Schnauzer Dog with Signs of Feminization and a Sertoli Cell Tumour

A 5‐year‐old male Miniature Schnauzer was presented with unilateral cryptorchidism and signs of feminization. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed an enlarged right testis and a large, fluid‐filled cavity that appeared to arise from the prostate. Computed tomography revealed the cavity to be consistent with an enlarged uterine body, arising from the prostate, and showed two structures resembling uterine horns that terminated close to the adjacent testes. The dog had a normal male karyotype, 78 XY. Gonadohysterectomy was performed and both the surgical and the histological findings confirmed the presence of a uterus in this male animal, resulting in a diagnosis of persistent Mullerian duct syndrome (PMDS). The enlarged intra‐abdominal testis contained a Sertoli cell tumour. Computed tomography proved to be an excellent diagnostic tool for PMDS.     

Reinke's Crystals in an Interstitial Cell Tumour of a Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Contents One case of interstitial cell tumour in the testicle of a New Zealand White rabbit was reported. The rabbit was 9-years old and had monolateral testicular lesion. There was enlargement of left testis and the lesion were seen on the cut surface. Light microscopy revealed intracytoplasmic crystals of Reinke that resembled to the features observed for this tumour in human. Immunohistochemically, this tumour was positive for vimentin.     

Interstitial cell tumor and Sertoli cell tumor in the testis of a cat

Testicular tumors are rarely reported in cats. We describe a case of interstitial cell tumor and Sertoli cell tumor in a cat that developed aggressive behavior and inappropriate urination 7 years after it was obtained from a shelter as an allegedly castrated 2 year old. At physical examination, the urine odor and the presence of penile papillae implied testosterone production. Testes were not palpable, but the left testis was found in the scrotum by surgical exploration and was mostly replaced by the 2 tumors. The interstitial cell tumor, but not the Sertoli cell tumor, was immunohistochemically positive for Melan-A, consistent with steroid production. Behavior improved after excision of the testis and penile papillae began to regress, but the cat was euthanatized 3 1/2 months after castration at the owner's request. Neither tumor had metastasized. The right testis was never found and was presumed to have been removed during the reported castration procedure.     

Prostatic Adenocarcinoma with Concurrent Sertoli Cell Tumor in a Dog

A case of metastatic prostatic adenocarcinoma with concurrent Sertoli cell tumor is presented in an old, miniature Schnauzer dog. The prostatic neoplasm was highly anaplastic and had metastasized widely. Clinical signs were compatible with increased estrogen production. It is interesting to note that the prostatic carcinoma, usually considered to be androgen dependent, developed and metastasized, despite the presence of apparently increased estrogen levels.     

性激素受体在子午岭黑山羊隐睾及正常睾丸中的分布比较

旨在研究性激素受体[雄激素受体（androgen receptor,AR）、雌激素受体（estrogen receptor,ER）]在子午岭黑山羊正常睾丸与隐睾组织中的分布与隐睾症的关系,应用免疫组织化学及免疫荧光技术方法结合形态计量学统计软件,比较了正常睾丸与隐睾的组织化学特点。特殊染色结果显示：与正常组相比,隐睾组间质组织疏松,管腔面积明显减小,糖原含量明显减少,胶原纤维及网状纤维含量增多。免疫组化及免疫荧光结果显示：1） AR在正常睾丸组Leydig细胞呈高密度强阳性表达,在各级生精细胞呈中等强度阳性表达,隐睾组中Leydig细胞及各级生精细胞表达明显减弱,且在精原细胞偶见表达;2） ER在正常睾丸Leydig细胞呈高密度强阳性表达,管周肌样细胞呈中等强度阳性表达,Sertoli细胞偶见表达,各级生精细胞无表达;3） ER在隐睾Leydig细胞、初级精母细胞、精原细胞和Sertoli细胞中均呈中等强度阳性表达;4）统计结果显示,隐睾组AR的平均光密度较正常组显著降低（P<0.05）,而ER的平均光密度则显著高于正常组（P<0.01）,且隐睾组AR与ER表达量比值基本接近1：1。子午岭黑山羊隐睾组织胶原纤维和网状纤维分布较正常睾丸多,生精小管基膜主要成分以中性糖蛋白为主,酸性糖蛋白含量明显降低影响精子的正常形成;隐睾组织精原细胞及Sertoli细胞ER与AR表达失常尤为明显,可为哺乳动物隐睾的相关研究提供一定参考。     

Johne's Disease (Paratuberculosis) in a Goat

Johne's disease (paratuberculosis) was diagnosed as the cause of chronic weight loss and intermittent diarrhea in a five year old Saanen doe. Confirmatory necropsy findings included granulomatous enteritis, lymphadenitis, lymphangitis and the demonstration of abundant acid fast organisms within macrophages in impression smears of intestinal mucosa. Some of the difficulties encountered in diagnosing and controlling Johne's disease are discussed with emphasis given to the disease in small ruminants.     

An Ultrastructural Study of the Sertoli Cell in the Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The ultrastructure of Sertoli cell in the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) was observed in a transmission electron microscope. The nucleus had homogeneous nucleoplasm, scarce heterochromatin and multivesicular nuclear body (MNB). The MNB was composed of numerous vesicles and ribosome-like dense structures. The vesicles varied in size and number and contained a sparse and flocculent substance. In the indentation of the nucleus, aggregates of ribosomes were frequently observed. In the apical and middle region of the cell, long mitochondria and microtubules were distributed parallel to the long axis of the cell. Non-laminated smooth ER and some ribosomes were also recognizable throughout this region. In the basal region, widely-distributed laminated smooth ER was characteristic. Microfilament bundles at ectoplasmic specialization were irregularly arranged. Frequently-emerged nodular processes occasionally separated from basal lamina and formed round structures within Sertoli cytoplasm. Although these characteristics of buffalo Sertoli cell were very similar to those of the bovine studied, the aggregate of ribosomes was more developed in the buffalo.     

Sertoli cell tumor associated with polyomavirus infection in a Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae)

A 3-yr-old male Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae) died after 2 wk of lethargy, emaciation, feather loss, and abdominal distension. The bird was housed in an aviary for breeding, but it had shown loss of fertility in the previous breeding season. Necropsy revealed a gross, firm, and yellow mass involving the left testis. Histologically, the mass was a mixed form, intratubular and diffuse, Sertoli cell tumor. Some neoplastic cells had intranuclear inclusion bodies that immunoelectron microscopy proved to be polyomavirus particle aggregates. There were no viral inclusions in other tissues. The possible role of infection in the pathogenesis of the tumor is discussed.     

Bilateral Pinnal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Dog with Chronic Otitis Externa

Abstract— An aged dog with a chronic, bilateral, bacterial otitis externa developed bilateral squamous cell carcinomas of the pinna. The tumours were located where the pinna would cover the external auditory meatus and probably were induced by the chronic infection.
Résumé— Un chien agé souftrant d'otite externe bactérienne chronique bilatérale présenta un épithelioma spinocellulaire bilatéral des pavilions auriculaires. Les tumeurs étaient situées là où les pavilions auraient recourvert le méat auriculaire et furent sans doute provoqués par l'infection chronique.
Zusammenfassung— Ein alter Hund mit einer chronischen, bilateralen, bakteriell bedingten Otitis externa entwickelte Plattenepithelkarzinome en beiden Ohrmuscheln. Diese Tumore traten an der Pinna exakt an der Mündung des äußeren Gehörgangs auf, und sind möglicherweise durch die chronische Infektion induziert worden.
Resumen  Un perro de edad avanzada que presentaba una otitis externa bilateral bacteriana crónica desarrolló unos carcinomas de células escamosas bilaterales del pabellón auditivo. Los tumores estaban localizados en la entrada del meato auditivo y probablemente fueron inducidos por la infección crónica.     

Carboplatin for treatment of a Sertoli cell tumor in a mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

A 13‐year‐old male mallard was diagnosed with a non‐resectable Sertoli cell tumor involving the left testis. The duck was treated with four doses of single‐agent carboplatin given at 4‐ to 5‐week intervals. Heteropenia, 2 weeks after each treatment, was the acute dose‐limiting toxicity. The tumor reduced in size by 25%, and the duck's clinical condition improved for 12 months. Sertoli cell tumors are rare in birds, and this is the first report, to our knowledge, of attempted chemotherapy treatment in the veterinary literature.     

Bilateral Testicular Seminoma in a Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

A 10-year-old male mini Lop rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was presented with a 2-month history of progressive enlargement of the hemiscrotal sacs. On palpation, both testicles were enlarged, with the left being larger than the right. A bilateral orchiectomy was performed and the testicular tissue submitted for pathological examination. The histopathological diagnosis of the tissue revealed a right gonadal intratubular seminoma and diffuse seminoma of the left gonad. Although seminomas have been reported in several domestic and wild animals, including rabbits, this is, to the authors' knowledge, the first report of bilateral seminomas with dissimilar structural patterns in rabbits.     

Intersex (testicular oocytes) in smallmouth bass from the Potomac River and selected nearby drainages

Intersex, or the presence of characteristics of both sexes, in fishes that are normally gonochoristic has been used as an indicator of exposure to estrogenic compounds. In 2003, during health assessments conducted in response to kills and a high prevalence of skin lesions observed in smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu in the South Branch of the Potomac River, the presence of immature oocytes within testes was noted. To evaluate this condition, a severity index (0-4) was developed based on the distribution of oocytes within the testes. Using gonad samples collected from 2003 to 2005, the number of histologic sections needed to accurately detect the condition in mature smallmouth bass was statistically evaluated. The reliability of detection depended on the severity index and the number of sections examined. Examining five transverse sections taken along the length of the gonad resulted in a greater than 90% probability of detecting testicular oocytes when the severity index exceeded 0.5. Using the severity index we compared smallmouth bass collected at selected sites within the South Branch during three seasons in 2004. Seasonal differences in severity and prevalence were observed. The highest prevalence and severity were consistently noted during the prespawn-spawning season, when compared with the postspawn season. In 2005, smallmouth bass were collected at selected out-of-basin sites in West Virginia where fish kills and external skin lesions have not been reported, as well as at sites in the Shenandoah River, Virginia (part of the Potomac drainage), where kills and lesions occurred in 2004-2005. The prevalence of testicular oocytes is discussed in terms of human population and agricultural intensity.     

Malignant seminoma with metastasis, Sertoli cell tumor, and pheochromocytoma in a spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) and malignant seminoma with metastasis in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

Seminoma with metastasis was diagnosed in a spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) and an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Sertoli cell tumor and pheochromocytoma were also diagnosed in the spotted dolphin. The spotted and bottlenose dolphins were adult males that stranded and died on the coasts of northwest Florida and southeast North Carolina, respectively. Neoplasia is infrequently reported in cetaceans. This is the first report of seminoma, Sertoli cell tumor, and pheochromocytoma in a dolphin, the first report of three distinct neoplasms in a dolphin, and one of the few reports of malignant neoplasia in dolphins.