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Cytochemical variations in the nucleolus during spermiogenesis in man and monkey
J P Dadoune1, M F Alfonsi, M A Fain-Maurel
1Groupe d'étude de la formation et de la maturation du gamète mâle, UFR Biomédicale Université René Descartes, Paris, France.
Cell and Tissue Research
|April 1, 1991
Summary
This study reveals the distinct structures and chemical compositions of nucleolar components during human and monkey spermatid development. Key findings show specific proteins persist in fibrillar cords, while granules disperse during nucleolar disintegration.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Reproductive Biology
- Cytochemistry
Background:
- The nucleolus is a dynamic organelle involved in ribosome biogenesis.
- Understanding nucleolar component behavior during spermatogenesis is crucial for reproductive biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fine structure, composition, and fate of nucleolar components in human and monkey spermatids.
- To differentiate the roles of fibrillar and granular components during spermiogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Comparative ultrastructural and cytochemical analysis of spermatids (steps 1-8) and Sertoli cells.
- Application of techniques including alcoholic PTA, sodium tungstate, EDTA, HAPTA, nuclease-gold complexes, and NOR silver staining.
Main Results:
- Nucleolar components segregated early in spermatids (step 1) with no typical fibrillar center observed.
- Two distinct fibrillar components and peripheral granules were identified, with differential staining by cytochemical agents.
- RNase-gold and DNase-gold complexes preferentially labeled peripheral components, while NOR silver staining highlighted fibrillar cords, indicating acidic non-histone proteins.
Conclusions:
- Nucleolar structure and composition change significantly during spermatid maturation.
- Specific acidic non-histone proteins are associated with fibrillar cords, persisting through early stages.
- Nucleolar disintegration involves dispersion of granular and argyrophilic material within the nucleoplasm.