Pubertal development of intersertoli cell junctions in the testis of corriedale ram lambs

The ultrastructure of the tight junctional complex of pubertal ram lamb Sertoli cells was studied in immersion-fixed samples and related to clinical data and a light microscopical classification of the degree of spermatogenesis attained in the corresponding seminiferous tubule. Although the process followed the general mammalian developmental trend for tight junction complex formation, 2 unusual ultrastructural features were detected: the presence of an active Golgi complex during the early stage of tight junction formation and the transitory presence of ribosomes on both faces of the ectoplasmic cisternae bordering the developing junctions. The significance of these findings is discussed.