Changes in the fine structure of the testicular Leydig cells of the seasonally-breeding bat, Myotis adversus.
Leydig cells of the bat, Myotis adversus, have been examined by electron microscopy throughout fourteen months. During the breeding season the Leydig cells become hypertrophied and are characterised by prominent areas of agranular endoplasmic reticulum and numerous small, membrane-bound granules. Microperoxisomes are also observed. During the period of testicular regression. Leydig cell size and the number of membrane-bound granules are greatly reduced. Lipid droplets and dense bodies are more numerous.
D000818:Animals; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002685:Chiroptera / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D003594:Cytoplasmic Granules / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004721:Endoplasmic Reticulum / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D012098:Reproduction; D012621:Seasons