Identification of Leydig-like cells in the testis of the dogfish Squalus acanthias. 1984

J Pudney, and G V Callard

The site of hormone synthesis in the testis of elasmobranchs has been the subject of much controversy. This is primarily due to the problem of whether Leydig cells are present or absent in the testes of many species of elasmobranchs. In previous studies we have shown that key enzymes associated with the biosynthesis of androgen increase in activity during the spermatogenetic cycle of Squalus acanthias (Canick et al., 1983). To determine the site of this activity we undertook an electron microscope study of Squalus testes to identify cells that possessed the structural correlates of steroid production. This report describes cells present in the interstitial tissue that are morphologically analogous to Leydig cells occurring in the testes of higher vertebrates. Although these cells possessed an agranular reticulum, tubulovesicular mitochondria, and lipid droplets, they were mesenchymal in appearance. We have, therefore, preferred to describe these cells as Leydig-like.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007985 Leydig Cells Steroid-producing cells in the interstitial tissue of the TESTIS. They are under the regulation of PITUITARY HORMONES; LUTEINIZING HORMONE; or interstitial cell-stimulating hormone. TESTOSTERONE is the major androgen (ANDROGENS) produced. Interstitial Cells, Testicular,Leydig Cell,Testicular Interstitial Cell,Testicular Interstitial Cells,Cell, Leydig,Cell, Testicular Interstitial,Cells, Leydig,Cells, Testicular Interstitial,Interstitial Cell, Testicular
D008297 Male Males
D008854 Microscopy, Electron Microscopy using an electron beam, instead of light, to visualize the sample, thereby allowing much greater magnification. The interactions of ELECTRONS with specimens are used to provide information about the fine structure of that specimen. In TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY the reactions of the electrons that are transmitted through the specimen are imaged. In SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY an electron beam falls at a non-normal angle on the specimen and the image is derived from the reactions occurring above the plane of the specimen. Electron Microscopy
D004284 Dogfish Sharks of the family Squalidae, also called dogfish sharks. They comprise at least eight genera and 44 species. Their LIVER is valued for its oil and its flesh is often made into fertilizer. Squalidae,Dogfishes
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
D012754 Sharks A group of elongate elasmobranchs. Sharks are mostly marine fish, with certain species large and voracious. Shark
D013091 Spermatogenesis The process of germ cell development in the male from the primordial germ cells, through SPERMATOGONIA; SPERMATOCYTES; SPERMATIDS; to the mature haploid SPERMATOZOA. Spermatocytogenesis,Spermiogenesis
D013737 Testis The male gonad containing two functional parts: the SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES for the production and transport of male germ cells (SPERMATOGENESIS) and the interstitial compartment containing LEYDIG CELLS that produce ANDROGENS. Testicles,Testes,Testicle

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