Phase microscope study of the giant cells from the normal testes of the Indian hedgehog, Paraechinus micropus

The phase-optic study of the germinal cells from the testes of the hedgehog, a seasonally breeding mammal, reveals the multinucleate giant cells in the natural state in late August, at the beginning of winter regression without subjecting these animals to any type of experimental stress. The participation of primary spermatocytes and spermatogonia, in addition to spermatids, in the formation of these giant cells has been observed. The nuclei at similar stage of spermatogenesis are identifiable in a single giant cell. The possible mechanism of their formation is discussed.