EFFECTS OF EXPERIMENTAL CRYPTORCHIDISM ON THE ULTRASTRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE SERTOLI-CELL AND PERITUBULAR TISSUE OF THE RAT TESTIS

Within 7 days of the surgical induction of cryptorchidism, the Sertoli cells demonstrated an accumulation of lipid inclusions and dilatations of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Aggregations of large vacuoles were observed at the basal aspects of the Sertoli cells and appeared to arise from local dilatations of the intercellular spaces between opposing inter-Sertoli cell junctions. These modifications of the inter-Sertoli cell junctional complexes disappeared as the cryptorchid state persisted, though some observations suggest that the associated membranes form complexly arranged bodies. The function of the Sertoli cells was altered in the cryptorchid testis as demonstrated by severe reduction in androgen binding protein (ABP) production by the 4 week cryptorchid testis and the lack of measurable ABP within the caput epididymidis. Serum FSH and LH levels became significantly elevated within 14 days of establishing cryptorchidism, suggesting diminished feedback from the damaged testis. Continuation of cryptorchidism was associated with progressive widening and folding of the peritubular tissue of the seminiferous tubule leading to bizarre arrangements of the tunica propria. The results are consistent with the proposal that in association with degeneration of the germ cells of the cryptorchid testis, the structure and function of the Sertoli cells are acutely sensitive to the raised intra-abdominal temperature.