To evaluate the value of flow cytometry in cryptorchidism, the results were compared with histologic findings. The study group consisted of 22 unilateral cryptorchidism (17 prepubescents and 5 postpubescents) and 18 testes from patients with
hydrocele,
infertility and prostatic cancer. DNA histograms of all prepubertal testes normal pattern of 85% of cells in the diploid peak, 12% of cells in the tetraploid peak and no haploid peak in spite of three distinct pattern of the histological finding
with
respect to development of germ cells and shape of seminiferous tubule and interstitium. However, in postupubertal patients with cryptorchidism and other diseases, DNA histograms revealed characteristic ploidy patterns of relative proportion of
haploid,
diploid and tetraploid cells corresponding to the histological appearances of normal testicular morphology, moderately abnormal morphology and Sertoli cell only. Flow cytometric analysis of testis is a rapid, objective and quantitative method
that
may
ultimately replace standard wedge biopsy due to its high degree of histological correlation in postpubertal crytorchidism.
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