ISSN:
0002-9106
Keywords:
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Testes of sexually mature, as well as newborn and young mice of varying ages were studied by electron microscopy. The seminiferous tubules in the mature mouse possess a single cell layer of extremely flattened cells which form a sheath-like structure around the epithelium of the tubule. These peritubular cells are characterized by cytoplasmic filaments and other features which are typical of smooth muscle cells. A basement lamina is associated with the interstitial or peripheral surface of the cell. Peripherally, there is an additional cellular layer consisting of connective tissue fibrocytes.In newborn animals, the cells surrounding the tubule epithelium consist of a homogeneous population of fibroblasts, 3-4 layers in thickness. With growth and development of the testes the number of cell layers is reduced and the cells become more attenuated. At 13 days, those cells which are closest to the epithelium show localized aggregates of fine filaments, as well as what appears to be the elaboration of a basement lamina. By 17 days, the cytoplasmic filaments are more numerous and the basement lamina is well defined: by 19 days, the cells closely resemble the peritubular muscle cells of the adult.The probable functional role of these cells is discussed with respect to both sperm transport and the production and maintenance of the surrounding connective tissue stroma.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/aja.1001210307
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