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Sertoli Cell ‐ Spermatid Tubulobulbar Complexes in the Ram
Author(s) -
Bielli A.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
anatomia, histologia, embryologia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.34
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1439-0264
pISSN - 0340-2096
DOI - 10.1111/j.1439-0264.1997.tb00116.x
Subject(s) - spermatid , sertoli cell , cytoplasm , epithelium , biology , spermiogenesis , blood–testis barrier , spermatogenesis , microbiology and biotechnology , mating , anatomy , invagination , andrology , endocrinology , genetics , medicine
Summary The fine structure of the tubulobulbar complex (TBC) of the ram seminiferous epithelium was studied in immersion‐fixed testicular samples obtained in autumn (sheep's mating period). The TBC was visible during the last two stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle. It originated as a tubular invagination of the Sertoli cytoplasm harbouring a complementary evagination from the spermatid head. Later, it expanded into a bulbous structure, finally becoming detached from the spermatid and apparently phagocytosed by the Sertoli cell. The significance of this transient structure is discussed and compared with previous reports for other eutherian mammals.