Summary
The fine structure of the interstitial tissue of the testis of Physalaemus fuscumaculatus is described. Epithelioid cells identified as Leydig cells occur scattered in the interstitial tissue. Their cytoplasm contains a well developed smooth and rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum arranged in whorls. The mitochondria present typical tubular cristae and unusual inclusions of a granular material. In spite of the distinctive characteristics reported here, it is assumed that the function of the Leydig cells is basically similar to that of the steroid synthetizing cells of the testicular interstitial tissue of higher vertebrates.
An unusual feature is the presence of numerous melanophores randomly distributed in the capsule of the testis and in the interstitium. They are polyhedric cells with poorly developed organelles, numerous melanosomes, and long cytoplasmic processes.
A large amount of collagen is present in the intercellular spaces closely related with undifferentiated cells, most of which are assumed to be fibroblasts.
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This work was supported by a Grant of the Consejo Nacional de Investigationes Científicas y Técnicas, and by Grant M-63-121 from the Population Council.
Career investigators of the Consejo Nacional de Investigationes Científicas y Técnicas.
Research Fellow of the same Institution.
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Aoki, A., Vitale-Calpe, R. & Pisano, A. The testicular interstitial tissue of the amphibian Physalaemus fuscumaculatus . Z. Zellforsch. 98, 9–16 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00344504
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00344504