Observations on the inter-relationships of Sertoli cells at the level of the blood- testis barrier: evidence for formation and resorption of Sertoli-Sertoli tubulobulbar complexes during the spermatogenic cycle of the rat. 1979

L D Russell

Structures termed tubulobulbar complexes are known to be formed by adjoining Sertoli cells at the level of the blood-testis barrier (Russell and Clermont, '76). Here, long (2-4 micrometer) tubular evaginations of one Sertoli cell, which end in bulbous dilations, are seen in corresponding invaginations of a neighboring Sertoli cell. In most regions of the tubular and bulbous portions of the complex, the Sertoli plasma membranes were found to be separated by a 4-5-nm intercellular space, but in some areas the membranes converged to form tight and gap junctions. The numbers, distribution and properties of tubulobulbar complexes were studied in relation to the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. From the data obtained it was concluded that tubulobulbar complexes develop and undergo regressive changes during the spermatogenic cycle. Most complexes arise during the early stages of the cycle (Stages II-V) and develop large bulbous endings. Developing tubulobulbar complexes consist of short evaginations of one Sertoli cell which face a bristle-coated pit of the opposing Sertoli cell. At midcycle (Stages VI-VII) most show regressive changes and are eventually resorbed as a consequence of the action of nearby Sertoli lysosomes. Once resorbed, the probability of seeing a tubulobulbar complex in thin sections decreases from 4- to 8-fold. The few tubulobulbar complexes which remain past this period (Stages VII-XIV-I) usually lack bulbous endings and are fequently seen above type A spermatogonia. The data suggest that small fragments of cytoplasm and plasma membrane (including junctional surfaces) are lost from one Sertoli cell as a result of the degradative processes occurring in a neighboring Sertoli cell. Tubulobulbar resorption is discussed in relation to the impending breakdown of the blood-testis barrier above spermatocytes as these cells move upward. The possible significance of the cyclic resorption of tight and gap junctional sites between Sertoli cells is also discussed.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007365 Intercellular Junctions Direct contact of a cell with a neighboring cell. Most such junctions are too small to be resolved by light microscopy, but they can be visualized by conventional or freeze-fracture electron microscopy, both of which show that the interacting CELL MEMBRANE and often the underlying CYTOPLASM and the intervening EXTRACELLULAR SPACE are highly specialized in these regions. (From Alberts et al., Molecular Biology of the Cell, 2d ed, p792) Cell Junctions,Cell Junction,Intercellular Junction,Junction, Cell,Junction, Intercellular,Junctions, Cell,Junctions, Intercellular
D008247 Lysosomes A class of morphologically heterogeneous cytoplasmic particles in animal and plant tissues characterized by their content of hydrolytic enzymes and the structure-linked latency of these enzymes. The intracellular functions of lysosomes depend on their lytic potential. The single unit membrane of the lysosome acts as a barrier between the enzymes enclosed in the lysosome and the external substrate. The activity of the enzymes contained in lysosomes is limited or nil unless the vesicle in which they are enclosed is ruptured or undergoes MEMBRANE FUSION. (From Rieger et al., Glossary of Genetics: Classical and Molecular, 5th ed). Autolysosome,Autolysosomes,Lysosome
D008297 Male Males
D001814 Blood-Testis Barrier A specialized barrier, in the TESTIS, between the interstitial BLOOD compartment and the adluminal compartment of the SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES. The barrier is formed by layers of cells from the VASCULAR ENDOTHELIUM of the capillary BLOOD VESSELS, to the SEMINIFEROUS EPITHELIUM of the seminiferous tubules. TIGHT JUNCTIONS form between adjacent SERTOLI CELLS, as well as between the ENDOTHELIAL CELLS. Testis-Blood Barrier,Barrier, Blood-Testis,Barrier, Testis-Blood,Barriers, Blood-Testis,Barriers, Testis-Blood,Blood Testis Barrier,Blood-Testis Barriers,Testis Blood Barrier,Testis-Blood Barriers
D002465 Cell Movement The movement of cells from one location to another. Distinguish from CYTOKINESIS which is the process of dividing the CYTOPLASM of a cell. Cell Migration,Locomotion, Cell,Migration, Cell,Motility, Cell,Movement, Cell,Cell Locomotion,Cell Motility,Cell Movements,Movements, Cell
D000135 Acid Phosphatase An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of an orthophosphoric monoester and water to an alcohol and orthophosphate. EC 3.1.3.2. Acid beta-Glycerophosphatase,Acid beta Glycerophosphatase
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D012670 Seminiferous Epithelium The epithelium lining the seminiferous tubules composed of primary male germ cells (SPERMATOGONIA) and supporting SERTOLI CELLS. As SPERMATOGENESIS proceeds, the developing germ cells migrate toward the lumen. The adluminal compartment, the inner two thirds of the tubules, contains SPERMATOCYTES and the more advanced germ cells. Epithelium, Seminiferous,Epitheliums, Seminiferous,Seminiferous Epitheliums
D012671 Seminiferous Tubules The convoluted tubules in the TESTIS where sperm are produced (SPERMATOGENESIS) and conveyed to the RETE TESTIS. Spermatogenic tubules are composed of developing germ cells and the supporting SERTOLI CELLS. Seminiferous Tubule,Tubule, Seminiferous,Tubules, Seminiferous
D012708 Sertoli Cells Supporting cells projecting inward from the basement membrane of SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES. They surround and nourish the developing male germ cells and secrete the ANDROGEN-BINDING PROTEIN and hormones such as ANTI-MULLERIAN HORMONE. The tight junctions of Sertoli cells with the SPERMATOGONIA and SPERMATOCYTES provide a BLOOD-TESTIS BARRIER. Sertoli Cell,Cell, Sertoli,Cells, Sertoli

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