[Morphology of free immature germ cells in human testis, epididymis and ejaculate]

The distribution and fine structure of free immature germ cells and their degenerated forms in the human testis, epididymis, and ejaculate were investigated by means of semithin sections under the light microscope and by means of thin sections under the electron microscope. If spermatogenesis is normal, among the free immature germ cells, spermatids and spermatocytes I can be found in the testis. In cases of disorganized or very reduced germinal epithelium, in addition to all the normal cell forms of spermatogenesis, numerous morphologically altered and degenerated free immature germ cells are present. In these cells vacuoles, nuclear tubuli, and a special structure of the endoplasmic reticulum are particularly remarkable. Spermatocytes II and normal and aberrant forms of spermatids are present in the epididymis. Aberrations of the spermatids are especially numerous--for example multinucleated cells, abnormalities of nuclear condensation and acrosome vesicle, abundant cytoplasm in combination with a small nucleus, and a great number of lipid droplets in the cytoplasm. In comparison with the testis, the number of cell ghosts and anucleated components of cytoplasm is increased. The variety of cell types is decreased in the ejaculate. Only spermatids are distinctly demonstrable. Primary spermatocytes are characterized by exceptional abundant endoplasmic reticulum. Cells with eccentrically placed dense nuclei are not similar to any of the cell forms in spermatogenesis. The fine structure of many cells appears faded. Often the cells are degenerated or only recognizable as shadow forms. Two forms of anucleated components of the cytoplasm are distinguishable. These are interpreted as epididymal secretory blebs or cell fragments. Spermatophages are described in the rete testis, epididymis and ejaculate.