The Effect of Alkylating Agents on the Reproductive and Hormonal Testicular Function in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

An evaluation of testicular function was undertaken in 11 boys and young men aged 14–26 years suffering from rheumatoid arthritis complicated by amyloidosis and treated with cyciophosphamide and chlorambucil. 7 cases were studied during life and 4 at autopsy. Semen analysis showed azoospermia in 4 cases; in one, cryptozoospermia; in one, oligoastnenotheratozoospermia; and in one, asthenoteratozoospermia. In 4 patients with azoospermia and in one with cryptozoospermia, testicular biopsy was done for histopathological examination. In patients with azoospermia, only Sertoli cells were present in the seminiferous tubules. In one patient with cryptozoospermia, normal spermato-and spermiogenesis was found only in occasional seminiferous tubules. Microscopic examination of the testis failed to show any changes in the structure of the interstitial gland in any of the patients. Amyloid deposits were found in the vascular walls of the interstitial gland in one patient only. The serum testosterone level was depressed in 3 patients of the 9 examined. The LH level was elevated in 2 patients. The mean value of testosterone-LH ratio was significantly lower in patients treated with alkylating agents as compared with patients not so treated. Serum FSH level was elevated in 6 patients. Post-mortem examination of the testis in 4 patients showed complete absence of the germinal epithelium and only the presence of Sertoli cells. In 2 cases, amyloid deposits were found in the vascular walls in the rete testis. It was concluded that alkylating agents, besides damaging the testicular germinal epithelium, also affect the function of Leydig cells.