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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Isolation of Sertoli Cells and Peritubular Cells from Rat Testes

Isolation of Sertoli Cells and Peritubular Cells from Rat Testes

Published on: February 8, 2016

THE FINE STRUCTURE OF TESTICULAR INTERSTITIAL CELLS IN GUINEA PIGS.

A K Christensen¹

¹Department of Anatomy, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California.

The Journal of Cell Biology

|October 30, 2009

Summary

The abundant agranular endoplasmic reticulum in guinea pig interstitial cells is crucial for androgen biosynthesis. Its structure, particularly the 17-hydroxylase and 17-desmolase enzymes, is key to hormone production.

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Reproductive Biology
Biochemistry

Background:

Guinea pig testes interstitial cells are vital for androgen production.
The ultrastructure of these cells, particularly the endoplasmic reticulum, is not fully understood.
Previous studies have suggested varying roles and appearances of cellular components.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the detailed ultrastructure of guinea pig testicular interstitial cells.
To identify the specific cellular components involved in androgen biosynthesis.
To clarify potential artifacts in previous cellular observations.

Main Methods:

Perfusion fixation of guinea pig testes using glutaraldehyde or osmium tetroxide.
Transmission electron microscopy to examine interstitial cell ultrastructure.

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Correlation of ultrastructural findings with biochemical data on androgen biosynthesis.

Main Results:

Exceptionally abundant agranular endoplasmic reticulum (AER) observed, forming tubular networks and fenestrated cisternae.
Mitochondria possess dense matrices with cristae and tubules; Golgi complex is disperse.
Lipofuscin pigment granules identified as polymorphic residual bodies with specific components.
Glutaraldehyde fixation revealed consistent cell density and AER morphology, suggesting artifacts in other fixations.
AER membranes identified as the site of key androgen biosynthesis enzymes: 17-hydroxylase and 17-desmolase.

Conclusions:

The extensive AER in guinea pig interstitial cells is the primary site for crucial androgen biosynthesis enzymes.
Observed ultrastructure suggests that certain previously reported cellular features may be fixation artifacts.
This study provides a detailed ultrastructural basis for understanding androgen production in these cells.