Identification of active spermatogenesis using a multiphoton microscope

Abstract Background The sperm retrieval rate of microdissection testicular sperm extraction varies from 25% to 60%. Therefore, it is necessary to establish objective selection criteria for identifying seminiferous tubules with spermatozoa. Objectives Our aim was to develop a method for identifying spermatogenesis without sectioning testicular tissues. Materials and methods Testicular tissues of 10‐week‐old normal rats were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde. Fluorescent labeling of seminiferous tubule nuclei and F‐actin was performed, and the specimens were observed without sectioning using a multiphoton microscope. Cryptorchid rats were used as a model lacking elongated spermatids. Multiphoton images were compared with images of normal seminiferous tubules. In addition, seminiferous tubules of 10‐week‐old normal rats were labeled by testicular interstitial injection of fluorescent probes and observed by a multiphoton microscope without fixation. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling‐stained images of normal and probe‐injected testes were compared. Results In fixed seminiferous tubules, elongated spermatids were identified. In addition, F‐actin of apical ectoplasmic specialization was observed around elongated spermatids. Furthermore, spermatogenic stages were identified by an array of nuclei or F‐actin. In cryptorchid testes, elongated spermatids and F‐actin of the apical ectoplasmic specialization were not observed. In testes injected with fluorescent probes, F‐actin of the apical ectoplasmic specialization was observed, and spermatogenic stages were identified without fixation. There was no significant difference in the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling‐positive cells per seminiferous tubule between normal and probe‐injected testes. Conclusions Seminiferous epithelium could be observed without sectioning of tissues by fluorescent probes and a multiphoton microscope. Active spermatogenesis was observed by labeling F‐actin with and without fixation. Moreover, the toxicity of fluorescent probes was limited. Our method has a potential for live imaging of testicular tissue.