Question

Kindly answer the case study below.

2. A twenty five year old man presents in the Andrology clinic. HE has been married for two years and the couple have been trying to conceive , with no success. His wife visited her OB/GYN, and all hormonal profiles are normal; in addition, she has regular cycles of a 28 day duration. The Urologist examining this individual describes one normal and one undescended testis. The client’s hormonal profile includes higher than normal levels of FSH, with testosterone levels in the low to very low range. Estradiol levels are normal. A sample of ejaculate indicates no mature sperm. A subsequent testis biopsy indicates only secondary spermatocytes.

a. What is the cause of this couple’s infertility?

b. What is the chromosome content of this individual’s secondary spermatocyte?

c. Is the dysfunction in this individual likely due to a defect in mitosis, meiosis or in spermiogenesis? Why would you think this?

d. What should be done about this individual’s undescended testis? What are likely consequences of this action?

e. What is the likely origin of this individual’s higher than normal level of FSH?

Answer 1

Ans.

a.FIrst of all the 25 year old man is having one undescended testis which is generally genital problem which affects normal functioning of testis.Second important factor is Follicle stimulating hormone(FSH).Normal level of FSH help in normal functioning of the testis and produce mature sperms.Higher levels of FSH can produce immature sperms leading to infertility.Also the patient has low testosterone levels which can affect his sex drive, erection and amount of semen.

b.secondary spermatocytes are haploid cells formed from primary spermatocytes which are diploid in number.So number is half that is 23.

c.Secondary spermatocytes are form by meiosis which are then divided to from four mature spermatozoa.This process is controlled by hormones FSH and testosterone.testosterone hormone is responsible for maturation of secondary spermatocyte.The individual is showing low levels of testosterone which is affecting spermatogenesis.

d.The undescended testis can be put into position surgically.But the problem should have been solved till the age of 1 to 18 years to avoid infertility.Surgery done at the age of 25 can cause testicle cancer.

e.Higher FSH can be genetic or due to hormonal disorder.