Oral vaccination with inhibin DNA vaccine for promoting spermatogenesis in rats.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a novel Inhibin (INH) DNA vaccine (C500/pVAX-asd-IS) on the immune response, reproductive hormone levels, and spermatogenesis of rats. Forty healthy male rats were divided into four groups, and respectively immunized (thrice, 14 d apart) with 1×108, 1×109, and 1×1010 CFU of the recombinant inhibin vaccine (group C500/pVAX-asd-IS-L, C500/pVAX-asd-IS-M, and C500/pVAX-asd-IS-H) or 1×1010 CFU C500. P/N values increased after vaccination and differed (p <0.05) at 7 d, and sharply increased at 14 d following the booster vaccination (p <0.01); The weight and volume of testes in C500/pVAX-asd-IS groups were increased (p < 0.05) at decapitation, respectively; Histological evaluation showed that the number of spermatogenic cells in the lumen was increased, and the cytoplasmic remnants of sperms were allergy increased significantly compared with the control group. Oral vaccination with INH DNA reduced (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of INH B, enhanced serum concentrations of testosterone (T) and FSH. Furthermore, mRNA expressions of VIM and SMAD4 in the testes were increased in C500/pVAX-asd-IS-M and C500/pVAX-asd-IS-H groups (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). The mRNA amount of INHß-B in C500/pVAX-asd-IS-M group was greater than control group (p < 0.05).These results suggested that neutralization of endogenous INH through oral vaccination with INH DNA delivered by C500 strain successfully elicited a humoral immune response. INH gene immunization may have a positive effect on spermatogenesis and reproductive efficiency in male rats.

Assessment of testicular function in boys and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: The hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis is characterised by the existence of major functional changes from its establishment in fetal life until the end of puberty. The assessment of serum testosterone and gonadotrophins and semen analysis, typically used in the adult male, is not applicable during most of infancy and childhood. On the other hand, the disorders of gonadal axis have different clinical consequences depending on the developmental stage at which the dysfunction is established. This review addresses the approaches to evaluate the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis in the newborn, during childhood and at pubertal age. DESIGN: We focused on the hormonal laboratory and genetic studies as well as on the clinical signs and imaging studies that guide the aetiological diagnosis and the functional status of the gonads. RESULTS: Serum gonadotrophin and testosterone determination is useful in the first 3-6 months after birth and at pubertal age, whereas AMH and inhibin B are useful biomarkers of testis function from birth until the end of puberty. Clinical and imaging signs are helpful to appraise testicular hormone actions during fetal and postnatal life. CONCLUSIONS: The interpretation of results derived from the assessment of hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular in paediatric patients requires a comprehensive knowledge of the developmental physiology of the axis to understand its pathophysiology and reach an accurate diagnosis of its disorders.

Immunolocalization of activin and inhibin at different stages of follicular development in the lizard Sceloporus torquatus.

The activins and inhibins are glycoproteins with a role in the follicular development of vertebrates, that are found in follicular fluid and somatic follicular cells, with a different pattern among taxa. The principal function of activin (Act) is to modulate the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) synthesis and secretion, whereas inhibin (Inh) downregulates it. Both factors are modulators of intraovarian follicular recruitment, oocyte maturation, cell proliferation, and steroidogenic activity. Our aim was to characterize the immunolocalization of Act and Inh in the ovarian follicles during the reproductive cycle of the lizard Sceloporus torquatus. Act was detected in the granulosa cells and oocyte cortex in the different stages of follicular development. On the other hand, we identified Inh in the oocyte cortex and the cytoplasm of pyriform and small cells of previtellogenic follicles. Also, we found immunoreactivity in the oocyte cortex, theca, and small cells of vitellogenic and preovulatory follicles. Our data provide evidence that Act and Inh have changes related to the stage of follicular development. This dynamic appears to be conserved among vertebrates and is fundamental to ensure an adequate follicular development in this specie.

Testicular dysfunction at diagnosis in children and teenagers with haematopoietic malignancies improves after initial chemotherapy.

Introduction: Hematopoietic malignancies are the most frequent type of cancer in childhood. Recent advances in cancer treatment have significantly improved survival until adulthood. There is an extensive literature on the effects of cancer treatment on the gonadal axis in adult survivors of childhood cancer mainly focused on sperm production, but scarce information exists on the immediate impact of cancer and its treatment in boys. Objectives: In this work, we determined the status of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis function at diagnosis and the immediate impact of chemotherapy at the start of treatment in children and adolescents with hematopoietic malignancies. Subjects and methods: In a prospective study of 94 boys and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), we determined serum AMH, inhibin B and FSH to assess the gonadotrophin-Sertoli cell component of the HPT axis, and testosterone and LH to evaluate the gonadotrophin-Leydig cell component, at diagnosis and after 3 months of chemotherapy. Secondarily, the general health state was evaluated. Results: In prepubertal boys, at diagnosis, AMH, inhibin B and FSH were lower compared to the reference population, reflecting an FSH-Sertoli cell axis dysfunction. After 3 months of chemotherapy, all hormone concentrations increased. At pubertal age, at diagnosis, AMH and inhibin B were lower compared to the reference population for Tanner stage, with inappropriately normal FSH, suggesting a primary Sertoli cell dysfunction with insufficient gonadotrophin compensation. The LH-Leydig cell axis was mildly disrupted. After 3 months of chemotherapy, inhibin B and AMH were unchanged while median FSH levels rose to values that exceeded the reference range, indicating a significant impairment of Sertoli cell function. Testosterone normalized concomitantly with an abnormal LH elevation reflecting a compensated Leydig cell impairment. General health biomarkers were impaired at diagnosis and improved after 3 months. Conclusion: The HPT axis function is impaired in boys with hematopoietic malignancies before the initiation of chemotherapy. There is a primary testicular dysfunction and a concomitant functional central hypogonadism that could be due to an impaired overall health. The HPT axis function improves during the initial 3 months of chemotherapy concomitantly with the general health state. However, in pubertal boys the dysfunction persists as shown by elevated gonadotropin levels after 3 months.

Immunostaining of ßA-Activin and Follistatin Is Decreased in HPV(+) Cervical Pre-Neoplastic and Neoplastic Lesions.

The activin-follistatin system regulates several cellular processes, including differentiation and tumorigenesis. We hypothesized that the immunostaining of ßA-activin and follistatin varies in neoplastic cervical lesions. Cervical paraffin-embedded tissues from 162 patients sorted in control (n = 15), cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 1 (n = 38), CIN2 (n = 37), CIN3 (n = 39), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC; n = 33) groups were examined for ßA-activin and follistatin immunostaining. Human papillomavirus (HPV) detection and genotyping were performed by PCR and immunohistochemistry. Sixteen samples were inconclusive for HPV detection. In total, 93% of the specimens exhibited HPV positivity, which increased with patient age. The most detected high-risk (HR)-HPV type was HPV16 (41.2%) followed by HPV18 (16%). The immunostaining of cytoplasmatic ßA-activin and follistatin was higher than nuclear immunostaining in all cervical epithelium layers of the CIN1, CIN2, CIN3, and SCC groups. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the cytoplasmic and nuclear immunostaining of ßA-activin was detected in all cervical epithelial layers from the control to the CIN1, CIN2, CIN3, and SCC groups. Only nuclear follistatin immunostaining exhibited a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in specific epithelial layers of cervical tissues from CIN1, CIN2, CIN3, and SCC compared to the control. Decreased immunostaining of cervical ßA-activin and follistatin at specific stages of CIN progression suggests that the activin-follistatin system participates in the loss of the differentiation control of pre-neoplastic and neoplastic cervical specimens predominantly positive for HPV.

Altered Endometrial Expression of α-Inhibin Subunit and Its Co-Receptor Betaglycan in Infertile Women with Endometriosis.

BACKGROUND: Inhibins and their co-receptor betaglycan are members of the transforming growth factor ß superfamily, a group of signaling molecules that control the differentiation of human endometrium in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. OBJECTIVE: Since endometriosis is associated with endometrial dysfunction and infertility, this study aimed at evaluating the expression of α-inhibin and betaglycan mRNA and proteins in endometrial samples of infertile women with and without endometriosis. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study. Participants/Materials: Endometrial samples of women with (n = 17) and without (n = 22) endometriosis were subdivided according to the menstrual cycle phase into proliferative and secretory. SETTING: University hospital. METHODS: We used real-time RT-PCR to quantify mRNA levels and immunohistochemistry to localize the proteins. RESULTS: α-inhibin mRNA levels were significantly increased in the secretory phase (p < 0.01 vs. proliferative phase) only among women with endometriosis. Conversely, betaglycan mRNA levels were downregulated in the secretory endometrium of controls (p < 0.01 vs. proliferative) but failed to change between cycle phases of patients with endometriosis. Both proteins were present in the glandular epithelium and stroma in the endometrium of women with and without endometriosis. Immunostaining analysis showed that while α-inhibin protein expression did not vary significantly, the intensity of betaglycan immunostaining decreased in the secretory phase in the control group (p = 0.038 vs. proliferative phase) but not in the endometriosis group. LIMITATIONS: We cannot determine whether endometriosis causes the abnormal expression of α-inhibin and betaglycan in the eutopic endometrium or if this alteration already existed before the establishment of endometriotic lesions. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest an abnormally increased expression of α-inhibin mRNA (not protein) and betaglycan (mRNA and protein) in the secretory-phase endometrium of women with endometriosis.

Leydig and Sertoli cell function in individuals with genital ambiguity, 46,XY karyotype, palpable gonads and normal testosterone secretion: a case-control study

Abstract BACKGROUND: Because normal male sexual differentiation is more complex than normal female sexual differentiation, there are more cases of disorders of sex development (DSDs) with 46,XY karyotype that have unclear etiology. However, Leydig and Sertoli cell markers are rarely used in distinguishing such individuals. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the function of Leydig and Sertoli cells in individuals with genital ambiguity, 46,XY karyotype, palpable gonads and normal testosterone secretion. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Case-control study with 77 patients, including eight with partial androgen insensitivity syndrome, eight with 5α-reductase deficiency type 2 (5ARD2) and 19 with idiopathic 46,XY DSD, and 42 healthy controls, from the Interdisciplinary Study Group for Sex Determination and Differentiation (GIEDDS), at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil. METHODS: Baseline levels of gonadotropins, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), inhibin B, insulin-like 3 (INSL3), testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in cases, and AMH, inhibin B, and INSL3 levels in controls, were assessed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in age between cases and controls (P = 0.595). AMH and inhibin B levels were significantly lower in cases than in controls (P = 0.031 and P < 0.001, respectively). INSL3 levels were significantly higher in cases than in controls (P = 0.003). Inhibin B levels were lower in 5ARD2 patients (P = 0.045) and idiopathic patients (P = 0.001), in separate comparisons with the controls. CONCLUSION: According to our findings, we can speculate that inhibin B levels may be used to differentiate among DSD cases.

Comparison of age-related anti Müllerian hormone, inhibin-b levels and follicle reserve in rat ovarium / Comparación de la hormona anti-mülleriana relacionada con la edad, los niveles de inhibina-b y la reserva folicular en el ovario de rata

SUMMARY: Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and Inhibin B (INHB) in the glycoprotein structure are members of the transforming growth factor β family and expressed by granulosa cells from puberty. AMH is a factor that increases the life span of small developing follicles. For this reason, it is widely used to determine the ovarian reserve and age. Inhibin-B secreted from granulosa cells plays a role in regulation of the Follicle Stimulating Factor (FSH) and determination of the follicle diameter. There are few studies on the effect of these two age-related hormones on ovarian histology in rats. In this study, AMH and INHB expression in ovarian tissues of female rats of different age groups, their relationship with ovarian structure and folliculogenesis were examined histologically and biochemically. Wistar Albino rats were used in the study and a total of 3 groups were formed. The ovaries of rats in the pre-oestrous period were collected, and follicle count was performed on tissue sections in batches. Expression of AMH in the follicles was identified immunohistochemically. In serum, AMH and INHB levels were assessed by ELISA method and their significance was evaluated statistically. Results from light microscopic examination determined that AMH was expressed from the granulosa cells of developing follicles. INHB expression during the prepubertal period and AMH had a protective effect on the ovarian reserve and the number of developing follicles, respectively.

RESUMEN: La hormona antimülleriana (AMH) y la inhibina B (INHB) en la estructura de la glicoproteína son miembros de la familia del factor de crecimiento transformante β y se expresan en las células de la granulosa desde la pubertad. La AMH es un factor que aumenta la vida útil de los pequeños folículos en desarrollo. Por este motivo, se utiliza frecuentemente para determinar la reserva ovárica y la edad. La inhibina B secretada por las células de la granulosa tiene un rol en la regulación del factor estimulante de (FSH) y en la determinación del diámetro del folículo. Hay pocos estudios sobre el efecto de estas dos hormonas relacionadas con la edad en la histología ovárica en ratas. Se examinaron histológica y bioquímicamente la expresión de AMH e INHB en tejidos ováricos de ratas hembras de diferentes grupos de edad, su relación con la estructura ovárica y la foliculogénesis. Se utilizaron ratas Wistar Albino en el estudio y se formaron 3 grupos. En los ovarios de ratas en el período preestro se realizó el recuento de folículos en secciones de tejido. La expresión de AMH en los folículos se identificó inmunohistoquímicamente. En suero, los niveles de AMH e INHB se evaluaron mediante el método ELISA y su importancia se evaluó estadísticamente. Los resultados del examen con microscopio óptico determinaron que la AMH se expresaba a partir de las células de la granulosa de los folículos en desarrollo. La expresión de INHB durante el período prepuberal y AMH tuvo un efecto protector sobre la reserva ovárica y el número de folículos en desarrollo, respectivamente.

Effect of phthalates exposure during perinatal period on hormonal profile in Mexican males during their first months of life.

Phthalates affect development of male reproductive system acting as an antiandrogenic agents. We sought to explore if perinatal exposure to phthalates could alter male hormone levels in humans during the first months of life. A cohort of 83 pregnant women and their male infants were studied. Five phthalate metabolites were measured in the mother's urine during the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy and during the first, third, and sixth months of life in the infants. Luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone and inhibin B were analyzed. Association between phthalate exposure and hormone variation was assessed using regression models for longitudinal data. Mono-butyl phthalate reduced FSH concentration (ß = -0.0012 international units [IU]/L, p < 0.01), mono-ethylhexyl phthalate reduced inhibin B (ß = -0.0094 pg/mL, p = 0.02), monoethyl phthalate reduced testosterone (ß = -0.0071 ng/L, p = 0.07), mono-ocytl phthalate reduced LH (ß = -0.0041 IU/L, p = 0.13). No effects were observed for exposure to mono-methyl phthalate. Our results are consistent with the findings in animal and human studies. Special precaution should be taken when measuring phthalate exposure in susceptible populations such as pregnant women and infants.

Bilateral canine seminoma with ocular metastasis: histochemical and immunohistochemical characterization

A 10-year old male dog was examined due to a buphthalmia in the left eye and a nodule in the two testicles. Due to the limited resources of the owner and loss of visual acuity of the patient, the enucleation and castration were chosen as treatment. Microscopic analysis of the testicular tissue revealed neoplastic germ cells. Morphologically, neoplastic cells were characterized by distinct cell borders, scarce and eosinophilic cytoplasm, large round nucleus, with thick chromatin and a prominent nucleolus. Binucleated and multinucleated neoplastic cells were also frequently observed. In 10 high powerfields (400x), 62 typical and atypical mitosis were counted. Similar neoplastic cells were identified within the vessels of theretina, sclera and in the sub-epithelial conjunctive tissue of the eyelid. The neoplastic cells observed in the testicle and in the eye were positive for PAS. By immunochemistry technique was identified an intense immunostaining of the neoplastic cells for Vimentin and Ki-67 in both testicular and ocular tissue. While, discrete immunoreactivity was identified to c-KIT from the neoplastic cells in both organs. Based on morphological, histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis, it was possible to characterize the ocular lesion as seminoma metastasis.

Bilateral canine seminoma with ocular metastasis: histochemical and immunohistochemical characterization

A 10-year old male dog was examined due to a buphthalmia in the left eye and a nodule in the two testicles. Due to the limited resources of the owner and loss of visual acuity of the patient, the enucleation and castration were chosen as treatment. Microscopic analysis of the testicular tissue revealed neoplastic germ cells. Morphologically, neoplastic cells were characterized by distinct cell borders, scarce and eosinophilic cytoplasm, large round nucleus, with thick chromatin and a prominent nucleolus. Binucleated and multinucleated neoplastic cells were also frequently observed. In 10 high powerfields (400x), 62 typical and atypical mitosis were counted. Similar neoplastic cells were identified within the vessels of theretina, sclera and in the sub-epithelial conjunctive tissue of the eyelid. The neoplastic cells observed in the testicle and in the eye were positive for PAS. By immunochemistry technique was identified an intense immunostaining of the neoplastic cells for Vimentin and Ki-67 in both testicular and ocular tissue. While, discrete immunoreactivity was identified to c-KIT from the neoplastic cells in both organs. Based on morphological, histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis, it was possible to characterize the ocular lesion as seminoma metastasis.(AU)

Evidence that Melatonin Increases Inhibin Beta-A and Follistatin Gene Expression in Ovaries of Pinealectomized Rats.

Melatonin plays an important role in the regulation of ovarian function including oocyte maturation in different mammalian species. Many studies indicate that melatonin has an impact on the ovarian function of a variety of ovarian cells. However, the information on the exact mechanism and involved hormones is low. To evaluate inhibin beta-A (INHBA) and follistatin (FST) expression in the ovaries of pinealectomized rats treated with melatonin, thirty adult female Wistar rats were randomized into three groups of ten animals each: group 1 (GSh), sham-operated controls receiving vehicle; group 2 (GPx), pinealectomized animals receiving vehicle; and group 3 (GPxMe), pinealectomized animals receiving replacement melatonin (1.0 mg/kg body weight. It was assumed that each animal drank 6.5 ± 1.2 ml per night and weighs approximately 300 g.) for 60 consecutive days. The ovaries were collected for mRNA abundance and protein of INHBA and FST by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical analyses, respectively. Treatment with melatonin resulted in the upregulation of INHBA and FST genes in the ovarian tissue of the melatonin-treated animals (GPxMe), when compared with GPx. These findings were then confirmed by analyzing the expression of protein by immunohistochemical analyses, which revealed higher immunoreactivity of INHBA and FST in GPxMe animals in the follicular cells compared with GSh and GPx rats. Melatonin increases the expression of INHBA and FST in the ovaries of pinealectomized female rats.

Hypogonadism in Pediatric Health: Adult Medicine Concepts Fail.

The classical definition of hypogonadism, used in adult medicine, as gonadal failure resulting in deficient steroid and gamete production, and its classification into hypergonadotropic and hypogonadotropic refer to primary gonadal and hypothalamic-pituitary disorders respectively and may lead to under- or misdiagnosis in pediatrics. Indeed, in children with primary gonadal failure, gonadotropin levels may be within the reference range for age. Conversely, since gonadotropins and steroids are normally low during childhood, it may prove impossible to show the existence of a hypogonadotropic state before pubertal age. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B arise as more adequate biomarkers to assess gonadal function and increase the possibility of making an earlier diagnosis of hypogonadism in children, which may positively impact on timely management.

Hormonal Regulation of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Glycosylation in Males.

The Follicle-Stimulating Hormone plays an important role in the regulation of gametogenesis. It is synthesized and secreted as a family of glycoforms with differing oligosaccharide structure, biological action, and half-life. The presence of these oligosaccharides is absolutely necessary for the full expression of hormone bioactivity at the level of the target cell. The endocrine milieu modulates the glycosylation of this hormone. During male sexual development a progressive increase in FSH sialylation and in the proportion of glycoforms bearing complex oligosaccharides are the main features in this physiological condition. In late puberty, FSH oligosaccharides are largely processed in the medial- and trans-Golgi cisternae of the gonadotrope and remain without changes throughout adult life. In experimental models, the absence of gonads severely affects FSH sialylation; androgen administration is able to restore the characteristics observed under physiological conditions. The expression of ST6 beta-galactoside alpha-2,6-sialyltransferase 1 is hormonally regulated in the male rat; it decreases after short periods of castration but increases markedly at longer periods of androgen deprivation. Although ST3 beta-galactoside alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase 3 is expressed in the male rat pituitary it is not influenced by changes in the endocrine milieu. The oligosaccharide structure of FSH has an impact on the Sertoli cell endocrine activity. In more advanced stages of Sertoli cell maturation, both sialylation and complexity of the oligosaccharides are involved in the regulation of inhibin B production; moreover, FSH glycoforms bearing incomplete oligosaccharides may enhance the stimulatory effect exerted by gonadal growth factors. In this review, we discuss available information on variation of FSH glycosylation and its hormonal regulation under different physiological and experimental conditions, as well as the effect on Sertoli cell endocrine activity.

Comparison between two inhibin B ELISA assays in 46,XY testicular disorders of sex development (DSD) with normal testosterone secretion.

BACKGROUND: Inhibin B is a hormone produced by the Sertoli cells that can provide important information for the investigation of disorders of sex development (DSD) with 46,XY karyotype. The aim of this study is to compare two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assays for dosage of serum inhibin B in patients with 46,XY DSD with normal testosterone secretion. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with 46,XY DSD and normal testosterone secretion (partial androgen insensitivity syndrome [PAIS] [n=8]; 5α-reductase deficiency [n=7] and idiopathic 46,XY DSD [n=14]) were included. Molecular analysis of the AR and SRD5A2 genes were performed in all patients and the NR5A1 gene analysis in the idiopathic group. Measurements of inhibin B were performed by two second-generation ELISA assays (Beckman-Coulter and AnshLabs). Assays were compared using the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: ICC was 0.915 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.828-0.959], however, a discrepancy was observed between trials, which is more evident among higher values when analyzed by the Bland-Altman method. CONCLUSIONS: It is recommended to perform the inhibin B measurement always using the same ELISA kit when several evaluations are required for a specific patient.

Importance of Serum Testicular Protein Hormone Measurement in the Assessment of Disorders of Sex Development.

Commonly known for testosterone secretion, the testes also produce the protein hormones anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), inhibin B, and insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3). AMH and inhibin B are secreted by Sertoli cells, whereas INSL3 is a Leydig cell product. AMH is involved in fetal sex differentiation and induces the regression of the anlagen of the uterus and fallopian tubes. INSL3 participates in fetal testicular descent. Serum testicular protein hormone assessment can be very useful and complementary to testosterone measurements in patients with DSD. AMH and inhibin B determination is extremely helpful during childhood, when basal testosterone is normally low. Serum AMH and inhibin B above the female range are indicative of the presence of testicular tissue, and their circulating levels reflect the amount of functional Sertoli cells. In DSD patients with normal male levels of AMH and inhibin B, the diagnosis of gonadal dysgenesis can be ruled out, and isolated androgen secretion deficiency or androgen insensitivity should be suspected. In externally virilized XY patients with persistent müllerian ducts, serum AMH levels determine the diagnosis to AMH deficiency or resistance. At pubertal age, inhibin B levels serve to predict spermatogenic development.

Tumor de las células de granulosa: pubertad precoz en lactante menor de 1 año. Caso clínico / Granulosa cell ovarian tumor: precocious puberty in infant less than 1 year of age. Case report

Resumen Introducción: Los tumores de las células de la granulosa de tipo juvenil (TCGJ) son muy poco fre cuentes, especialmente en menores de 1 año. Los signos de pubertad precoz constituyen la presenta ción clínica más importante. Objetivo: Presentar una lactante con pubertad precoz periférica, con diagnóstico de TCGJ, discutiendo las claves de su tratamiento y seguimiento. Caso Clínico: Lactante de 10 meses que presentó telarquia, vello púbico y tumor abdominal palpable acompañado de niveles plasmáticos de Estradiol aumentados, gonadotrofinas muy bajas e imágenes que mostraban masa ovárica gigante. Se realizó salpingooforectomía, obteniéndose regresión absoluta de signos y síntomas. La biopsia demostró TCGJ por lo que se tomó inhibina B (InB) como marcador después de la cirugía. Esta hormona estaba alta inicialmente, pero descendió rápidamente. El seguimiento se basó en InB, Hormona antimulleriana (AMH) y estradiol como se describe en este tipo de tumores. Conclusiones: Los TCGJ son muy infrecuentes en pediatría; deben sospecharse en niñas con puber tad precoz periférica. El tratamiento quirúrgico en la gran mayoría es curativo, pero debe mantenerse un estricto control con marcadores tumorales, siendo los más específicos la InB y la AMH y en menor escala los niveles de Estradiol.

Abstract Introduction: Juvenile granulosa cell tumors (JGCT) are very rare, especially in infants under the age of one. The most frequent presentation is with signs of precocious puberty. Objective: Present an in fant with peripheral precocious puberty, diagnosis of JGCT and follow up. Clinical case: 10-month-old female infant with thelarche, pubic hair and palpable abdominal mass accompanied with eleva ted levels of estradiol, very low gonadotrophins and images that show a very large ovarian mass. A sapingooforectomy was carried out with full regression of symptoms and signs and improvement of laboratory exams. The biopsy showed TCGJ so inhibin B (InB) was taken as tumoral marker after surgery. This hormone was high initially, but rapidly declined. Follow-up was based on InB, antimu-llerian Hormone (AMH) and estradiol as described in this type of tumors. Conclusions: Juvenil gra nulosa cell tumors are very infrequent in pediatric age, but should be suspected in girl with peripheral precocious puberty. The majority of cases improve with surgery, but strict surveillance of tumoral markers is needed. The most specific markers are inhibin B and anti mullerian hormone (AMH), followed by estradiol levels.

Causa muy rara de pubertad precoz periférica en una niña: tumor de cordones sexuales con túbulos anulares / A very rare cause of peripheral precocious puberty in a girl: ovarian sex cord tumor with annular tubules

El tumor de los cordones sexuales con túbulos anulares es una neoplasia del estroma gonadal muy infrecuente. Representa el 0,05-0,6% de todos los tumores ováricos, según series. Se presenta un caso especialmente inusual, en una niña de 6 años, detectado a raíz de una pubertad precoz periférica isosexual. Su interés radica en que no se halló ninguna masa anexa al ovario, sino únicamente una asimetría gonadal, sin signos radiológicos de malignidad. Se realizó una salpingo-ooforectomía unilateral con linfadenectomía pélvica y paraaórtica ipsilateral, por vía laparoscópica, tras confirmarse la presencia de células tumorales en la biopsia intraoperatoria. La evolución posterior de la paciente fue favorable.

Sex cord tumor with annular tubules is an extremely uncommon gonadal stromal neoplasm. It represents 0.05-0.6% of all ovarian tumors, according to series. An unusual case is presented in a 6-year-old girl, detected as a result of an isosexual peripheral precocious puberty. The highlight of this case is that no mass attached to the ovary was found, but only a gonadal asymmetry without radiological signs of malignancy. After confirming the presence of tumoral cells by intraoperative biopsy, unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with ipsilateral para-aortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed. Afterwards, the evolution of the patient was favorable.

[A very rare cause of peripheral precocious puberty in a girl: ovarian sex cord tumor with annular tubules]. / Causa muy rara de pubertad precoz periférica en una niña: tumor de cordones sexuales con túbulos anulares.

Sex cord tumor with annular tubules is an extremely uncommon gonadal stromal neoplasm. It represents 0.05-0.6% of all ovarian tumors, according to series. An unusual case is presented in a 6-year-old girl, detected as a result of an isosexual peripheral precocious puberty. The highlight of this case is that no mass attached to the ovary was found, but only a gonadal asymmetry without radiological signs of malignancy. After confirming the presence of tumoral cells by intraoperative biopsy, unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with ipsilateral para-aortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed. Afterwards, the evolution of the patient was favorable.

El tumor de los cordones sexuales con túbulos anulares es una neoplasia del estroma gonadal muy infrecuente. Representa el 0,05-0,6% de todos los tumores ováricos, según series. Se presenta un caso especialmente inusual, en una niña de 6 años, detectado a raíz de una pubertad precoz periférica isosexual. Su interés radica en que no se halló ninguna masa anexa al ovario, sino únicamente una asimetría gonadal, sin signos radiológicos de malignidad. Se realizó una salpingo-ooforectomía unilateral con linfadenectomía pélvica y paraaórtica ipsilateral, por vía laparoscópica, tras confirmarse la presencia de células tumorales en la biopsia intraoperatoria. La evolución posterior de la paciente fue favorable.