Distribution of action filaments in spermatogenic cells and sertoli cells of mouse: an ultrastructural study

ABSTRACT

Study of the distribution of actin in spermatogenic cells and Sertoli cells of mouse might be important in elucidating how they may contribute to some of the processes that occur during spermatogenesis. Fifteen adult healthy male mice were used for this study. Testicular specimens were taken, fixed and processed for examination by a transmission electron microscope. Actin filaments were demonstrated in specific regions of the seminiferous epithelium. In spermatogenic cells, they occurred in the intercellular bridges between spermatogenic cells, in the subacrosomal spaces, and in the gap between the capitulum and the implantation fossa of differentiating spermatids. In Sertoli cells, they were abundant in ectoplasmic specialization and around the bulbar segment of tubulobulbar processes of late spermatids. At all of these sites, the filaments were related to the plasma membrane. The possible functional significance of actin filaments in such location was discussed