Ultrastructure of the nucleus of human sertoli cells in normal and pathological testes

9 p.-7 fig.The ultrastructure of the nucleus of human Sertoli cells has been studied in testicular samples from normal adults and patients with hypospermatogenesis or absence of the germinal cell line (Sertoli cell only syndrome). In all cases the ultrastructure of the nuclear structures was alike. The nucleus is irregularly shaped and its membrane presents numerous pores. The inner aspect of the nuclear membrane is electron dense due to the presence of a fibrous lamina. The outer aspect presents a concentric arrangement of 50 Å cytoplasmic filaments. The chromatin is rather dispersed. Some perichromatin granules are found occasionally. The nucleolus is characteristic of human Sertoli cells and displays three clear components. In addition, sphaeridia of at least two principal morphological types were found. Their significance in the cell metabolism as well as relationship to either the nucleolus or the nuclear DNA are discussed. The need for further investigation on the functional meaning of the nuclear organelles of human Sertoli cells is stressed.Peer reviewe