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Annulate lamellae and single-pore complexes in human spermatogonia
Journal of Submicroscopic Cytology
|October 1, 1986
Summary
Cytoplasmic annulate lamellae (AL) are present in all human testicular cells during sperm development. These structures, observed via electron microscopy, vary in form across different sperm cell stages.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Reproductive Biology
- Histology
Background:
- Annulate lamellae (AL) are cytoplasmic structures composed of stacked, interconnected cisternae with nuclear pore-like structures.
- Their presence and function in human spermatogenesis have not been extensively documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and morphology of cytoplasmic annulate lamellae (AL) in non-neoplastic human testes across all stages of spermatogenesis.
- To examine AL in Sertoli cells and spermatogonia within a cryptorchid testis.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was utilized for ultrastructural examination of human testicular tissue.
- Morphological analysis of annulate lamellae (AL) in various cell types, including spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and Sertoli cells.
Main Results:
- Cytoplasmic annulate lamellae (AL) were identified in all cell types of the seminiferous epithelium in non-neoplastic testes.
- AL morphology varied, with shorter profiles in early germ cells and larger stacks in late spermatids and Sertoli cells.
- AL were also observed in Sertoli cells and spermatogonia of a cryptorchid testis, showing similar morphology.
Conclusions:
- Annulate lamellae (AL) are a consistent feature of human spermatogenesis, present in all germ cell types and Sertoli cells.
- The observed association of AL with the nuclear envelope during spermiogenesis suggests a potential role in nuclear envelope dynamics.
- AL are present even in pathological conditions like cryptorchidism, indicating their fundamental nature in testicular cells.