Sertoli cells and various types of multinucleates in the rat seminiferous tubules following temporary ligation of the testicular artery.

The effects of temporary ligation of the testicular artery have been analysed in rats with respect to Sertoli cells and multinucleated spermatogenic cells. The first cells to show ultrastructural changes are the Sertoli cells which progressively degenerate, leading to complete necrosis as the duration of ligation and post-ligation survival interval increases. The degree of degeneration of spermatogenic cells depends on the severity of Sertoli cell destruction. Temporary ligation of the testicular artery causes the formation of various types of multinucleated spermatogenic cells in the seminiferous epithelium. The mechanisms involved in the multinucleate formation are cell fusion, karyokinesis devoid of cytokinesis and phagocytosis. The variety of noxious agents causing formation of multinucleated spermatogenic cells in the seminiferous tubules of a number of species including man implies that the occurrence of multinucleated spermatogenic cells is not a specific response of the testis to a particular type of agent.