Ultrastructure of the rat testis in experimental uremia

The ultrastructure of the testis was studied in chronically uremic rats with and without administration of hCG. Concomitantly, sham operated pair fed control rats were examined. In uremic rats the seminiferous tubules contained a certain number of necrotic spermatocytes and spermatids with defective acrosome formation. The Sertoli cells showed evidence of reduced function: they had only scarce endoplasmic reticulum and lipid droplets. Leydig cells were rather heterogeneous with respect to ultrastructure. Some cells had poorly developed endoplasmic reticulum, a small Golgi apparatus and no lipid droplets, while others appeared normal. Administration of hCG had marked effects on Leydig cells: such cells acquired numerous mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum, while smooth endoplasmic reticulum, lipid droplets, lysosomes and Golgi apparatus were inconspicuous. In contrast, administration of hCH failed to reverse premature germ cell loss.