Abnormal spermiogenesis in two pink-eyed sterile mutants in the mouse

Abstract

Abnormal spermiogenesis is described in two neutron-irradiation induced alleles at the pink-eye locus in the mouse. Testicular hypotrophy and abnormal spermateliosis are present, resulting in the formation of giant sperm with abnormal heads and multiple tails. Abnormal sperm-head shape results from abnormal proacrosome formation and multiplication of tail number from a failure in cytokinesis. The pleiotropic effects of the locus on coat colour, fertility, behaviour and growth are reviewed in conjunction with similar mutants in other rodents: it is suggested that pituitary dysfunction could explain all aspects of the ‘pink-eye’ syndrome.