Skip to main content
Log in

Summary

In the cytology of the developing rabbit spermatid two systems of microtubules are conspicuous features. One corresponding to the manchette of light microscopy is in correlation with changes in the nuclear membrane giving rise to the posterior nuclear space. This system disappears as the elongation of the nucleus is accomplished without leaving any remnants. In the late spermatid another system of microtubules is observed just anterior to the fibrous sheath inside the periflagellar invagination giving this part of the flagellum a spindle shaped form. — The possible functions of the microtubules and related cellular events are discussed.

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

Access this article

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

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • André, J.: Some aspects of specialization in sperm. In: D. Mazia and A. Tyler (eds.), General physiology of cell specialization. New York: McGraw-Hill Co. 1963.

    Google Scholar 

  • Arnold, J. M.: On the occurence of microtubules in the developing lens of the squid Loligo pealii. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 14, 534–539 (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  • Behnke, O.: A preliminary report on “microtubules” in undifferentiated and differentiated vertebrate cells. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 11, 139–146 (1964).

    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 

  • Burgos, M. H., and D. W. Fawcett: Studies on the fine structure of the mammalian testis. J. biophys. biochem. Cytol. 1, 287–300 (1955).

    Google Scholar 

  • Ericsson, J. L. E., and P. Biberfeld: Studies on aldehyde fixation. Fixation rates and their relation to fine structure and some histochemical reactions in liver. Lab. Invest. 17, 281–298 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  • Fawcett, D. W.: The anatomy of the mammalian spermatozoon with particular reference to the guinea pig. Z. Zellforsch. 67, 279–296 (1965).

    Google Scholar 

  • —: An atlas of fine structure. The cell. Philadelphia and London: W. B. Saunders Co. 1966.

    Google Scholar 

  • —, and D. M. Phillips: Further observations on mammalian spermatogenesis. J. Cell Biol. 35, 152a (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  • Franklin, L. E.: Formation of the redundant nuclear envelope in monkey spermatids. Anat. Rec. 161, 149–162 (1968).

    Google Scholar 

  • Frasca, J. M., and V. R. Parks: A routine technique for doublestaining ultrathin sections using uranyl and lead salts. J. Cell Biol. 25, 157–165 (1965).

    Google Scholar 

  • Gardner, P. J.: Fine structure of the seminiferous tubules of the Swiss mouse. The spermatid. Anat. Rec. 155, 235–250 (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  • Guillon, M. G.: Recherches sur la structure des spermatides dans le testicule humain. Observations de microscopie électronique. Bull. Féd. Soc. Gynéc. Obstét. 12, 531–542 (1960).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hadek, R.: Study on the fine structure of rabbit sperm head. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 9, 110–122 (1963).

    Google Scholar 

  • Horstmann, E.: Elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen zur Spermiohistogenese beim Menschen. Z. Zellforsch. 54, 68–89 (1961).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kessel, R. G.: The association between microtubules and nuclei during spermiogenesis in the dragon fly. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 16, 293–304 (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  • —: An electron microscope study of spermiogenesis in the grasshopper with particular reference to the development of microtubular systems during differentiation. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 18, 677–694 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  • Leblond, C. P., and Y. Clermont: Spermiogenesis of rat, mouse, hamster and guinea pig as revealed by the “periodic acid-fuchsin sulfurous acid” technique. Amer. J. Anat. 90, 167–216 (1952).

    Google Scholar 

  • Lockwood, W. R., and L. L. Langston: A reliable and easily sectioned epoxy embedding medium. Anat. Rec. 150, 129–140 (1964).

    Google Scholar 

  • Mcintosh, J. R., and K. R. Porter: Microtubules in the spermatids of the domestic fowl. J. Cell Biol. 35, 153–173 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  • Nagano, T.: Observations on the fine structure of the developing spermatid in the domestic chicken. J. Cell Biol. 14, 193–205 (1962).

    Google Scholar 

  • Nicander, L.: Development of the fibrous sheath of the mammalian sperm tail. 5th Intern. Congr. Electron Microscopy. New York: Academic Press 1962.

    Google Scholar 

  • —: Microtubules in spermatids of mammals and birds. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 18, 230 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  • Robison, W. G.: Microtubules in relation to the motility of a sperm syncytium in an armored scale insect. J. Cell Biol. 29, 251–265 (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  • Slautterback, D. B.: Cytoplasmic microtubules. I. Hydra. J. Cell Biol. 18, 367–388 (1963).

    Google Scholar 

  • Swierstra, E. E., and R. H. Foote: Cytology and kinetics of spermatogenesis in the rabbit. J. Reprod. Fertil. 5, 309–322 (1963).

    Google Scholar 

  • Venable, J. H., and R. Coggeshall: A simplified lead citrate stain for use in electron microscopy. J. Cell Biol. 25, 407–408 (1965).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

This investigation was supported by United States Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health (HD 02493) and the Lalor Foundation.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Pedersen, H. Microtubules in the spermatid of the rabbit. Z. Zellforsch. 98, 148–156 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00344514

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00344514

Keywords

Navigation