membranes of the Golgi complex are surrounded by single large electron-transparent
vacuoles.
Degenerately altered membrane fragments and organelles of spermatogenic cells
were present in the structure of secondary lysosomes in the cytoplasm of supporting
epithelial cells.
It should be noted a sharp decrease number of ribosomes and polysomes in the
cytoplasm of Sertoli cells.
The basement membrane on which Sertoli cells were located have had different
electron density, uneven width, and contained myelin-like structures. The cytoplasmic
membrane of the "nurse" cells (Sertoli cells) is strongly loosened, thickened and
contained foci of lysis (Fig. 4).
Figure 4. Interstitial cells of Leydig ultrastructure of testicles after X-ray
radiation. Loosening, thickening and focal lysis of the cytoplasmic membrane
Contracted by citrate lead х 43 000
Under the influence X-ray irradiation of ultrastructure of interstitial cells
significant submicroscopic changes of its organelles were also observed
The nuclei of Leydig cells had an oval shape, with a moderately pronounced
loosening of the nuclear membrane, which formed a small number of deep and small
invaginations. Small foci of lysis of the nuclear membrane were observed.
Karyoplasm was enlightened. The nucleus matrix contains both condensed and
decondensed chromatin. Osmiophilic lumps of condensed chromatin were located on
the inner membrane.
Diffusely scattered granules of decondensed chromatin were localized in the
central region of the matrix of the nucleus. A part of Leydig cells contained small dense
osmiophilic nucleoli. Cells with totally destroyed nuclei were observed also.
The most pronounced changes in mitochondria had a different size and shape. If
we compared with the group of intact experimental animals, we observed decreases the
number and size (they were shortened) of cristae in mitochondria.
There were mitochondria with destroyed cristae and external membranes. Totally
destroyed mitochondria in Leydig cells had the appearance of vacuoles filled with
structure less osmiophilic substance like in Sertoli cells.
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