Development of Sertoli Cell Junctions in vitro: A Freeze-Fracture Study

Seminiferous tubules of 1-day-old rats were maintained in organ culture for up to 40 days. Five classes of intercellular junctions between Sertoli cells were observed by the freeze-fracture method as the tissue aged: (a) typical gap junctions; (b) focal tight junctions; (c) macular tight junctions;...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:In Vitro 1978-11, Vol.14 (11), p.916-923
Main Authors: Meyer, R, Posalaky, Z, McGinley, D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Freeze Fracturing
Gap junctions
Germ cells
Intercellular junctions
Intercellular Junctions - ultrastructure
Leydig cells
Male
Organ Culture Techniques
P branes
Rats
Seminiferous Tubules
Sertoli cells
Sertoli Cells - ultrastructure
Testes
Tight junctions
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Summary:Seminiferous tubules of 1-day-old rats were maintained in organ culture for up to 40 days. Five classes of intercellular junctions between Sertoli cells were observed by the freeze-fracture method as the tissue aged: (a) typical gap junctions; (b) focal tight junctions; (c) macular tight junctions; (d) meandering tight junctions; and (e) extensive tight junctions. The relative proportions of these types of Sertoli cell junctions were quantitated as the organ cultures progressed. The junctional structures observed and classified in organ culture were identical to those seen in vivo, but the timing of their appearance and/or disappearance, as well as their relative proportions, was different from that observed in the developing animal. Extensive tight junctions, with numerous parallel strands, were observed in the 40-day cultures; however, their oblique orientation with respect to the myoid layer was in contrast to the parallel orientation observed in vivo.
ISSN:0073-5655
1475-2689
DOI:10.1007/BF02616121