Summary
A specialized type of fibroblast occurs in the testicular capsule of adult rats. The flattened cells are characterized by bundles of cytoplasmic filaments. Filament bundles run parallel to the cell surface and insert in plaques of granular, electron dense material which is attached to the inner surface of the plasma membrane (attachment zones). Cytoplasmic filaments measure 60–80 Å in diameter. Sporadically plaques of basal lamina-like material are found, especially in the region of attachment zones.
These specialized fibroblasts are interpreted as myofibroblasts. It is supposed that contractility of the testicular capsule in rats is caused by myofibroblasts.
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This paper is dedicated to Prof. Dr. A. Pischinger on the occasion of his 75th birthday.
The authors are indebted to Prof. Dr. L. Stockinger, Vienna, in whose laboratory this study was started, and to Mrs. Alice Ihmer and Miss Jutta Selbmann for their technical assistance.
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Gorgas, K., Böck, P. Myofibroblasts in the rat testicular capsule. Cell Tissue Res. 154, 533–541 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00219672
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00219672