Sertoli cells have had irregular nuclei, the nuclear membrane formed deep
invaginations. In the nucleus matrix an osmiophilic nucleolus with nucleolar electron-
dense chromatin was determined. Unchanged mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum
cisterns, a well-developed lamellar cytoplasmic Golgi complex, as well as
microtubules, lysosomes and lipids were present in the cytoplasm.
The cytoplasmic membrane formed depressions in which spermatocytes and
spermatozoa were located (Fig. 1).
Figure 1. "Nurse" cells ultrastructure of intact rats’ testicles. Contracted by
citrate lead х 31 000
The basement membrane on which Sertoli cells were located had a typical
structure and average electron density.
Interstitial endocrinocytes (Leydig cells) were located near the blood vessels, they
had rounded nuclei with 1-2 nucleoli. In the cytoplasm a well-developed smooth
endoplasmic reticulum which representing numerous branching tubules filled with a
thin fibrous substance of low electron density was located.
There are a small number of flattened cisterns of the granular endoplasmic
reticulum in the cytoplasm were present. Their membranes detected ribosomes.
There are small mitochondria with osmiophilic matrix and a small number of
cristae. A characteristic feature is the presence in the cytoplasm of secretory granules
of various sizes and electron densities, localized near the Golgi complex.
The structure of cytoplasmic membrane corresponds to the elemental membrane,
and did not contain foci of loosening and lysis (Fig. 2). In the group of irradiated rats
the study of the ultrastructural organization of Sertoli and Leydig cells revealed
dystrophic and destructive disorders of organelles of varying severity.
The cytoplasm of Sertoli cells had a low degree of electron density. A decrease in
the electron density and the nuclear matrix was observed. Nuclear chromatin was in
the decondensed state predominantly; its granules are evenly scattered over the area of
the cut of the nucleus. The nuclear membrane is strongly loosened and contained small
multiple foci of destruction. Separate nuclei contained lumps of condensed chromatin.
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