Open AccessCytological study on Sertoli cells and their interactions with germ cells during annual reproductive cycle in turtle
Author(s) -
Ahmed Nisar,
Yufei Huang,
Yang Ping,
Muhammad Yasir Waqas,
Zhang Qian,
Liu Tengfei,
Hong Chen,
Lisi Hu,
Xiaoya Chu,
Chen Qiusheng
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
ecology and evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.17
H-Index - 63
ISSN - 2045-7758
DOI - 10.1002/ece3.2193
Subject(s) - spermatogenesis , sertoli cell , biology , adherens junction , microbiology and biotechnology , spermiogenesis , germ cell , spermatid , blood–testis barrier , lipid droplet , endocrinology , cell , genetics , cadherin , gene
Sertoli cells ( SC s) play a central role in the development of germ cells within functional testes and exhibit varying morphology during spermatogenesis. This present study investigated the seasonal morphological changes in SC s in the reproductive cycle of Pelodiscus sinensis by light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and immunohistochemistry. During hibernation period with the quiescent of spermatogenesis, several autophagosomes were observed inside the SC s, the processes of which retracted. In early spermatogenesis, when the germ cells started to proliferate, the SC s contained numerous lipid droplets instead of autophagosomes. In late spermatogenesis, the SC s processes became very thin and contacted several round/elongated spermatids in pockets. At this time, abundant endoplasmic reticulum and numerous mitochondria were present in the SC s. The organization of the tight junctions and the adherens junctions between the SC s and germ cells also changed during the reproductive cycle. Moreover, SC s were involved in the formation of cytoplasmic bridges, phagophores, and exosome secretions during spermatogenesis. Tubulobulbar complexes ( TBC ) were also developed by SC s around the nucleus of the spermatid at the time of spermiation. Strong, positive expression of vimentin was noted on the SC s during late spermatogenesis compared with the hibernation stage and the early stage of spermatogenesis. These data provide clear cytological evidence about the seasonal changes in SC s, corresponding with their different roles in germ cells within the Chinese soft‐shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis .