OBSERVATIONS ON THE FINE STRUCTURE OF RAT INTERSTITIAL TISSUE

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Abstract
This is a study of the fine structure of interstitial cells of adult rat testis. Leydig cells, polygonal in shape, vary in electron density, some appearing quite dark and others light. Differences in density are considered to represent different phases of activity of the same cell type. The most prominent feature of these cells is the abundance of agranular endoplasmic reticulum. This reticulum, which occupies the greater part of the cytoplasm, consists of branching and anastomosing smooth surfaced tubules. The Golgi complex lies in a juxtanuclear position and comprises a variable number of Golgi elements, each consisting of from 3 to 5 closely packed flattened, or slightly dilated, sacs, with a relative paucity of small vesicles. Mitochondrai are numerous and many contain, in addition to small granules, large spherical inclusions. Other cyto-plasmic structures present include lipid droplets, deposits of pigment, and small spherical or ovoid bodies. In addition to Leydig cells, the interstitium contains some cells which appear to be undifferentiated. These cells contain less agranular reticulum than is present in Leydig cells and possess bundles of fine filaments within their cytoplasm. These results are discussed in relation to previous findings concerning interstitial cells of other species, and in relation to other cells producing steroid hormones, with special reference to the role of the agranular endoplasmic reticulum.
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