Three-dimensional morphometry of the testis in dog using design-unbiased stereology

Testis is considered the main organ of the male reproductive system. Dogs are used as a suitable experimental model of testicular diseases in humans. From the veterinary aspect, several disorders have been reported to affect the testis in dogs. Thus, the objective of the present study was to investigate the morphometrical features of the dog testis using design-based stereology. The testes of six male dogs were used. Isotropic, uniform random sections were obtained and processed for light microscopy. Testicular total volume and the fractional volume of the seminiferous tubules, interstitial tissue and germinal epithelium were measured using the Cavalieri's estimator and the point counting system. Germinal epithelial surface area was estimated using test lines, and total length of seminiferous tubules was analysed using the counting frames. The total volume of testis was calculated 13.64 ± 1.94 cm3. The relative volume fractions of the seminiferous tubules, interstitial tissue and germinal layer expressed as a percentage of total testicular volume were found to be 75.87 ± 6.11%, 23.68 ± 5.15% and 64.15 ± 4.82%, respectively. The surface area of the germinal layer was 915.25 ± 150.48 cm2. The thickness of germinal layer was estimated to be 96.18 ± 10.72 μm. The total length of seminiferous tubules measured 290.8 ± 35.86 m. No statistical difference in investigated parameters was found between the left and right testes (p > 0.05). Our data might contribute to the male reproductive knowledge, help develop experimental studies in this field and possibly lead to advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of testicular diseases in the dog.