6533b860fe1ef96bd12c3a76
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Morphometric assessment of testicular changes in drug-related fatalities.
Hansjürgen BratzkeM. SchneiderM BachlF.-u. LutzJ Reuhlsubject
AdultMalemedicine.medical_specialtyPathologyTime FactorsSubstance-Related DisordersBiopsyPhysiologyAutopsySeverity of Illness IndexTesticular DiseasesPathology and Forensic MedicineMale infertilityRisk FactorsSeverity of illnessBiopsymedicineHumansSpermatogenesisInfertility Malemedicine.diagnostic_testSperm Countbusiness.industryMedical jurisprudenceCase-control studyMiddle Agedmedicine.diseaseSubstance Abuse DetectionCase-Control StudiesEtiologyDisease ProgressionAutopsybusinessLawSpermatogenesisdescription
Testicular sections of 50 deceased drug addicts were examined by light microscopy using morphometric methods and determining the extent of spermatogenesis by application of the Johnsen score count. Twenty cases of violent death served as reference sample. The study was aimed at obtaining data about the degree of germinal gland damage following the duration of the individual drug career, which was correlated to the histologic findings. Progressively reduced maturation of germinal cells, decrease of tubular diameter and height of sperm-producing epithelium were found the longer the individual case history has been. The results clearly indicated a substantial impairment of male fertility in the course of a drug career, but etiology seems to be multifactorial, since most of the deceased were polytoxicomanic and more than 40% were under the influence of alcohol at the time of death. Testicular damage is obviously a sequel of long-lasting abuse and a very complex process, presumably progressing with the duration of the adverse habit.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000-11-14 | Forensic science international |