Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Ultrastructure of the nucleus of human sertoli cells in normal and pathological testes

  • Published:
Cell and Tissue Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

The ultrastructure of the nucleus of human Sertoli cells has been studied in testicular samples from normal adults and patients with hypospermatogenesis or absence of the germinal cell line (Sertoli cell only syndrome).

In all cases the ultrastructure of the nuclear structures was alike. The nucleus is irregularly shaped and its membrane presents numerous pores. The inner aspect of the nuclear membrane is electron dense due to the presence of a fibrous lamina. The outer aspect presents a concentric arrangement of 50 Å cytoplasmic filaments. The chromatin is rather dispersed. Some perichromatin granules are found occasionally.

The nucleolus is characteristic of human Sertoli cells and displays three clear components. In addition, sphaeridia of at least two principal morphological types were found. Their significance in the cell metabolism as well as relationship to either the nucleolus or the nuclear DNA are discussed.

The need for further investigation on the functional meaning of the nuclear organelles of human Sertoli cells is stressed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bawa, S. R.: Fine structure of the Sertoli cell of the human testis. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 9, 459–474 (1963)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bernhard, W.: Drug induced changes in the interphase nucleus. In: Adv. in Cytopharmacology, vol. 1: First International Symp. Cell Biol. and Cytopharmacol., p. 49–62. New York: Raven Press 1971

    Google Scholar 

  • Black, V. H., Christensen, A. K.: Differentiation of interstitial cells and Sertoli cells in fetal guinea pig testis. Amer. J. Anat. 124, 211–237 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bouteille, M., Kalifat, S. R., Delarue, J.: Ultrastructural variations in nuclear bodies in human diseases. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 19, 474–486 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  • Brökelmann, J.: Surface modification of Sertoli cells at various stages of spermatogenesis in the rat. An electron microscope study. Anat. Rec. 139, 211, Abstract (1961)

    Google Scholar 

  • Brökelmann, J.: Fine structure of germ cells and Sertoli cells during the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium in the rat. Z. Zellforsch. 59, 820–850 (1963)

    Google Scholar 

  • Büttner, D. W.: Sphaeridien mit kristalloiden Einschlüssen in den Zellkernen der Katzenmilz. Z. Zellforsch. 84, 304–310 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  • Büttner, D. W.: Elektronenmikroskopische Beobachtung von Sphaeridien im Karyoplasma der Sauropsidenzelle. Z. Zellforsch. 85, 527–533 (1968a)

    Google Scholar 

  • Büttner, D. W., Horstmann, E.: Haben die Sphaeridien in den Zellkernen kranker Gewebe eine pathognomonische Bedeutung? Virchows Arch. path. Anat. 343, 142–163 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  • Büttner, D. W., Horstmann, E.: Das Sphaeridion, eine weit verbreitete Differenzierung des Karyoplasma. Z. Zellforsch. 77, 589–605 (1967a)

    Google Scholar 

  • Busch, H., Smetana, K.: The nucleolus. New York: Academic Press 1970

    Google Scholar 

  • Bustos-Obregón, E.: On Sertoli cell number and distribution in rat testis. Arch. Biol. (Liège) 81, 99–108 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Christensen, A. K.: Microtubules in Sertoli cells of guinea pig testis. Anat. Rec. 151, 335, Abstract (1965)

    Google Scholar 

  • Courot, M.: Etablissement de la spermatogenèse chez l'agneau (Ovis aries). Étude expérimentale de son contrôle gonadotrope; importance des cellules de la lignée sertolienne, Thesis, Paris, 1971

  • Daoust, R., Clermont, Y.: Distribution of nucleic acids in germ cells during the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium in the rat. Amer. J. Anat. 96, 225–283 (1955)

    Google Scholar 

  • Del Castillo, E. B., Trabucco, A., De la Balze, F. A.: Syndrome produced by absence of the germinal epithelium without impairment of the Sertoli or the Leydig cells. J. clin. Endocr. 7, 493–507 (1947)

    Google Scholar 

  • Dupuy-Coin, A. M., Bouteille, M.: Developmental pathway of granula and beaded nuclear bodies from nucleoli. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 40, 55–67 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Dupuy-Coin, A. M., Lazar, P., Kalifat, S. R., Bouteille, M.: A method of quantitation of nuclear bodies in electron microscopy. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 27, 244–249 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Elftman, H.: The Sertoli cell cycle in the mouse. Anat. Rec. 106, 381–393 (1950)

    Google Scholar 

  • Elftman, H.: Sertoli cells and testis structure. Amer. J. Anat. 113, 25–34 (1963)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fabbrini, A., Re, M., Conti, C.: Glycogen in the normal human testis: A histochemical and histoenzymatic study. J. Endocr. (Lond.) 43, 499–506 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fabbrini, A., Re, M., Spera, G.: Behaviour of glycogen and related enzymes in the Sertoli cell syndrome. Experientia (Basel) 25, 647–649 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fawcett, D. W.: On the occurrence of a fibrous lamina on the inner aspect of the nuclear envelope in certain cells of Vertebrates. Amer. J. Anat. 119, 129–146 (1966)

    Google Scholar 

  • Feldherr, C. M.: Structure and function of the nuclear envelope. In: Advances in cell and molecular biology (Du Praw, E. J., ed.), vol. 2, p. 273. New York: Academic Press 1972

    Google Scholar 

  • Flickinger, Ch.: The postnatal development of the Sertoli cells of the mouse. Z. Zellforsch. 78, 92–113 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  • Flickinger, Ch., Fawcett, D. W.: The functional specializations of Sertoli cells in the seminiferous epithelium. Anat. Rec. 158, 207–222 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  • Franke, W. W.: Relationship of nuclear membranes with filaments and microtubules. Protoplasma 73, 263–292 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gardner, P. J., Holyoke, E. A.: Fine structure of the seminiferous tubule in the swiss mouse. I. The limiting membrane, Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatocytes. Anat. Rec. 150, 391–404 (1964)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gray, E. G., Guillery, R. W.: On nuclear structure in the ventral nerve cord of the leech Hirudo medicinalis. Z. Zellforsch. 59, 738–745 (1963)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hadziselimovic, F., Seguchi, H.: Ultramikroskopische Untersuchungen am Tubulus seminiferus bei Kindern von der Geburt bis zur Pubertät. II. Entwicklung und Morphologie der Sertoli-Zellen. 68. Vers. Anat. Ges., Lausanne, 1973 (Anat. Anz., in press)

  • Holstein, A. F., Wulfhekel, U.: Die Semidünnschnitt-Technik als Grundlage für eine cytologische Beurteilung der Spermatogenese des Menschen. Andrologie 3, 65–69 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Horstmann, E.: Die Kerneinschlüsse im Nebenhodenepithel des Hundes. Z. Zellforsch. 65, 770–776 (1965)

    Google Scholar 

  • Horstmann, E., Richter, R., Roosen-Runge, E.: Zur Elektronenmikroskopie der Kerneinschlüsse im menschlichen Nebenhodenepithel. Z. Zellforsch. 69, 69–79 (1966)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kalifat, S. R., Bouteille, M., Delarue, J.: Étude ultrastructurale de la lamelle dense observée au contact de la membrane nucléaire interne. J. Microscopie 6, 1019–1026 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lacy, D.: Androgen dependency of spermatogenesis and the physiological significance of steroid metabolism in vitro by the seminiferous tubules. In: The endocrine function of the human testis, vol. 1, p. 493–532 (James V. H. T., Serio, M., and Martini, L., eds.). New York-London: Academic Press 1973

    Google Scholar 

  • Lacy, D., Kinson, G., Hopkins, D., Dott, H.: Sertoli cells and steroid synthesis. Gen. comp. Endocr. 5, 693 (1965)

    Google Scholar 

  • Le Goascogne, C., Delahaye, F., Baulieu, E. E.: Corps nucléaire de l'épithélium utérin de ratte. J. Microscopie 20, 64a, Abstract (1974)

  • Leidemann, B., Mancini, E. R.: Glycogen content in the rat testis from postnatal to adult ages. Endocr. 85, 607–609 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lofts, B.: The Sertoli Cell. Gen. Comp. Endocr. Suppl. 3, 636–648 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Mazanek, K.: Présence de la ≪Zonula Nucleum Limitans≫ dans quelques cellules humaines. J. Microscopie 6, 1027–1032 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  • Merkle, U.: Volumetrische Befunde an den Samenzellen und den Sertoli-Zellen der Batte. Z. mikr. anat. Forsch. 63, 252–273 (1957)

    Google Scholar 

  • Monneron, A., Bernhard, W.: Fine structural organization of the interphase nucleus in some mammalian cells. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 27, 266–288 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Nagano, T.: Some observations on the fine structure of the Sertoli cells in the human testis. Z. Zellforsch. 73, 89–106 (1966)

    Google Scholar 

  • Patrizi, G., Poger, M.: The ultrastructure of the nuclear periphery. The Zonula Nucleum Limitans. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 17, 127–136 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  • Perry, R. P.: Nucleoli: the cellular sites of ribosome production. In: Handbook of molecular cytology (Lima-de-Faria, ed.), p. 620. London: North Holland Publ. Co. 1969

    Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds, E. S.: The use of lead citrate at high pH as an electron opaque stain in electron microscopy. J. Cell Biol. 17, 208–212 (1963)

    Google Scholar 

  • Rolshoven, E.: Die funktionelle Polymorphie des Sertoli-Syncytiums und ihr Zusammenhang mit der Spermatogenese. Z. Zellforsch. 31, 156–164 (1941)

    Google Scholar 

  • Rolshoven, E.: Über Resorptionsleistungen des Sertolisyncytiums und ihr Zusammenhang mit der Spermatogenese. Anat. Anz. 96, 220–226 (1944)

    Google Scholar 

  • Rolshoven, E.: Spermatogenese und das Sertolisyncytium. Z. Zellforsch. 33, 439–460 (1945)

    Google Scholar 

  • Roosen-Runge, E.: Spermatogenesis in Mammals. Biol. Rev. 37, 343–377 (1962)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sapsford, C. S., Rae, C. A.: Ultrastructural studies on Sertoli cells and spermatids in the bandicoot and ram during the movement of mature spermatids into the lumen of the seminiferous tubule. Aust. J. Zool. 17, 415–445 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sapsford, C. S., Rae, C. A., Cleland, K. W.: Ultrastructural studies on spermatids and Sertoli cells during early spermiogenesis in the bandicoot Parameles nasuta Geoffroy (Marsupialia). Aust. J. Zool. 15, 881–909 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sapsford, C. S., Rae, C. A., Cleland, K. W.: Ultrastructural studies on maturing spermatids and on Sertoli cells in the bandicoot Parameles nasuta Geoffroy (Marsupialia). Aust. J. Zool. 17, 195–292 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sapsford, C. S., Rae, C. A., Cleland, K. W.: The fate of residual bodies and degenerating germ cells and the lipid cycle in Sertoli cells in the bandicoot Parameles nasuta Geoffroy (Marsupialia). Aust. J. Zool. 17, 729–753 (1969a)

    Google Scholar 

  • Schulze, C.: Zur Morphologie der Sertolizelle des Menschen. 69. Vers. Anat. Ges., Kiel, 1974 (Anat. Anz., in press)

  • Sertoli, E.: Dell'esistenzia di particulari cellule ramificate nei canalicoli seminiferi del testiculo umano. Il Morgagni 7, 31–39 (1865)

    Google Scholar 

  • Simard, R.: The nucleolus. Action of chemical and physical agents. Int. Rev. Cytol. 28, 169–211 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Stelly, N., Stevens, B. J.: Étude cytochimique de la lamella interne de l'enveloppe nucléaire. In: Microscopie électronique 1970, p. 231–232 (Favard P., ed.). Paris 1970

  • Weber, Q., Whipp, S., Usenik, E., Frommes, S.: Structural changes in the nuclear body in the adrenal zona fasciculata of the calf following the administration of ACTH. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 11, 564–576 (1964)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zibrin, M.: Multivesicular nuclear body with nucleolar activity in Sertoli cells of bulls. An ultrastructural study. Z. Zellforsch. 135, 155–164 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy, University of Hamburg, Germany

    E. Bustos-Obregón &  P. Esponda

  2. Department of Cytology, Institute of Cell Biology, Madrid, Spain

    E. Bustos-Obregón &  P. Esponda

Authors
  1. E. Bustos-Obregón
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. P. Esponda
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

Fellow of the “Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung”, on leave of absence from Depto. de Biología y Genética, Sede Norte, Universidad de Chile, Santiago. — We acknowledge the technical assistance of Mrs. I. Ortiz-Esponda.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bustos-Obregón, E., Esponda, P. Ultrastructure of the nucleus of human sertoli cells in normal and pathological testes. Cell Tissue Res. 152, 467–475 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00218932

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00218932

Key words

Search

Navigation