Ultrastructure of putative steroid-producing cells in the gonads of coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha)

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Abstract
The testes of coho and pink salmon apparently contain both interstitial (Leydig) cells and lobule boundary cells. The interstitial cells possess cellular organelles characteristic of steroid-producing cells (large mitochondria with tubulovesicular cristae and an extensive agranular endoplasmic reticulum). The lobule boundary cells contain large sudanophilic lipid droplets and some features suggestive of phagocytotic functions. Thus, the interstitial cells are presumably responsible for testicular androgen production, and the lobule boundary cells are considered homologous with mammalian Sertoli cells.Ovarian follicles of mature oocytes contain a special cell type in the thecal layer. These special cells possess organelles characteristic of steroid-producing cells. The granulosa cells do not show convincing evidence of steroidogenesis. Postovulatory follicles consist of a highly vascular thick thecal layer and degenerated granulosa cells. The special thecal cells often form clusters consisting of several cells and seem to retain their secretory activity. Thus, the special thecal cells are the possible sites of ovarian steroid hormone synthesis.