Excess testosterone levels affect up to 20% of the female population worldwide and are a key component in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome. However, little is known about how excess testosterone affects the function of the human fallopian tube-the site of gamete transport, fertilization, and early embryogenesis. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize alterations caused by long-term exposure to male testosterone levels. For this purpose, the Fallopian tubes of nine female-to-male transsexuals, who had been undergoing testosterone treatment for 1-3 years, were compared with the tubes of 19 cycling patients. In the ampulla, testosterone treatment resulted in extensive luminal accumulations of secretions and cell debris which caused ciliary clumping and luminal blockage. Additionally, the percentage of ciliated cells in the ampulla was significantly increased. Transsexual patients, who had had sexual intercourse before surgery, showed spermatozoa trapped in mucus. Finally, in the isthmus complete luminal collapse occurred. Our results imply that fertility in women with elevated levels of testosterone is altered by tubal luminal obstruction resulting in impaired gamete transport and survival.

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睾丸激素水平升高如何影响人类输卵管的功能和生育能力？

过多的睾丸激素水平影响全世界多达20％的女性人口，并且是多囊卵巢综合征发病机理的关键因素。然而，关于过量的睾丸激素如何影响人类输卵管功能的了解甚少，这是配子转运，受精和早期胚胎发生的部位。因此，本研究旨在表征长期暴露于男性睾丸激素水平引起的改变。为此，将接受了1-3年睾丸激素治疗的9名女性对男性变性者的输卵管与19名自行车患者的输卵管进行了比较。在壶腹中，睾丸激素治疗导致大量的腔内分泌物和细胞碎片积聚，从而导致睫状体结块和腔体阻塞。另外，壶腹纤毛细胞的百分比明显增加。在手术前进行过性交的变性患者，其精子被困在粘液中。最后，在峡部完全腔塌陷发生。我们的结果表明，睾丸激素水平升高的女性的生育能力会因输卵管腔阻塞而改变，从而导致配子转运和存活受损。