Open AccessTelocytes: novel interstitial cells present in the testis parenchyma of the Chinese soft‐shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis
Author(s) -
Yang Ping,
Ahmad Nisar,
Hunag Yufei,
Ullah Shakeeb,
Zhang Qian,
Waqas Yasir,
Liu Yi,
Li Quanfu,
Hu Lisi,
Chen Qiusheng
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of cellular and molecular medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.44
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1582-4934
pISSN - 1582-1838
DOI - 10.1111/jcmm.12731
Subject(s) - cytoplasm , parenchyma , biology , immunohistochemistry , ultrastructure , anatomy , interstitial cell , vesicle , actin , pathology , microbiology and biotechnology , endocrinology , immunology , medicine , botany , genetics , membrane
Telocytes ( TC s) are novel interstitial cells that have been found in various organs, but the existence of TC s in the testes has not yet been reported. The present ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study revealed the existence of TC s and differentiate these cells from the peritubular cells (Pc) in contact with the surrounding structures in the testes. Firstly, our results confirmed the existence of two cell types surrounding seminiferous tubules; these were Pc (smooth muscle like characteristics) and TC s (as an outer layer around Pc). Telocytes and their long thin prolongations called telopodes (Tps) were detected as alternations of thin segments (podomers) and thick bead‐like portions (podoms), the latter of which accommodate the mitochondria and vesicles. The spindle and irregularly shaped cell bodies were observed with small amounts of cytoplasm around them. In contrast, the processes of Pc contained abundant actin filaments with focal densities, irregular spine‐like outgrowths and nuclei that exhibited irregularities similar to those of smooth muscle cells. The TC s connected with each other via homocellular and heterocellular junctions with Pc, Leydig cells and blood vessels. The Tps of the vascular TC s had bands and shed more vesicles than the other TC s. Immunohistochemistry ( CD 34) revealed strong positive expression within the TC cell bodies and Tps. Our data confirmed the existence and the contact of TC s with their surroundings in the testes of the Chinese soft‐shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis , which may offer new insights for understanding the function of the testes and preventing and treating testicular disorders.