Ultrastructure of spermatogenesis in Spix's yellow-toothed cavy (Galea spixii)

Author(s)

Santos, P. R. S. ^[1] ; Oliveira, M. F. ^[2] ; Arroyo, M. A. M. ^[1] ; Silva, A. R. ^[2] ; Rici, R. E. G. ^[1] ; Miglino, M. A. ^[1] ; Assis Neto, A. C. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Vet Med & Anim Sci, Dept Surg, BR-05508270 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Fed Rural Univ Semiarid Northeastern Reg UFERSA, Dept Anim Sci, BR-59625900 Mossoro - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Reproduction; v. 147, n. 1, p. 13-19, JAN 2014.
• Web of Science Citations: 9

Abstract

This was a pioneer study of the spermatogenic process from the onset of puberty in Spix's yellow-toothed cavies (SYC, Galea spixii) bred in captivity. The study aimed to characterize fine structure of spermatogenesis. Twelve testes from pubertal and post-pubertal SYC males were studied using transmission electron microscopy. Spermatogenesis can be divided into three phases: proliferation, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. In proliferation phase, three types of spermatogonia were identified and characterized as A(dark), A(pale), and B. In the second phase, spermatocytes (2n) undergo meiotic divisions that generate spermatids (n); the process begins in spermatocytes in the preleptotene stage when they increase their nuclear size, differentiating into spermatocytes in the leptotene stage when cell division is initiated. In addition, we found chromatin condensation, and formation of a structure composed of proteins that formed a central shaft and two lateral bars associated with pairing of homologous chromosomes. During spermiogenesis, the following main events occurred: condensation of nuclear chromatin, formation of acrosome with perfuratorium, elimination of residual cytoplasm, and development of the flagellum. The sperm head is different from that of other rodents. The endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi complex are the two main organelles demonstrated during this process. These organelles collaborate through synthesis of proteins and hormones for the development of germ cells during spermatogenesis in SYC. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/14516-0 - Ultrastructural study of the development of spermatogenesis and sperm airway in preá (Galea spixii; Wagler, 1831) bred in captivity
• Grantee: Paulo Ramos da Silva Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 12/11217-8 - Expression of steroidogenic enzymes: Cytocromo P40 Aromatases, NADPH reductase and P450c17 during phases of reproductive development and spermatic segments in male captive-bred Spix's yellow-toothed and agouti
• Grantee: Antônio Chaves de Assis Neto
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants