Morphological and functional features in human fetal testicles during prenatal hypoxia

Introduction. Intrauterine hypoxia is one of the most frequent complications in pregnancy. It risk factors fetal development disorders. In antenatal period, effects on re-productive system can impair fetus and lead to negative consequences. The aim was studypathological functional features testes different periods gestation with chronic intrauterine hypoxia. Materials methods. We examined autopsies testicular tissues 78 fetuses deceased at weeks 19–40. Histological immunohistochemical methods (using antibodies Ki-67, Bcl 2, AR, ER, FGF) were employed. Results. Morphometric examination showed a decrease number tubules, cells area tubules significant increase stromal area. Immunohistochemistry revealed weak expression proliferation apoptosis marker, pronounced diffuse estrogen receptor, androgen receptor. Fibroblast growth factor increasing up week 29 then sharply decreased. Conclusion. Chronic leads damage germ gland atrophy testicles fetuses. Prolonged oxygen deprivation tissue triggers compensatory mechanisms, which manifest inhibitor expression. Hypoxia disrupts processes reduces activity interstitial endocrinocytes, confirmed by AR ER during all periods. These structural changes morphogenesis may impaired fertility. Keywords: hypoxia, testicle, immunohistochemistry, fertility disorders, period