Multinucleated spermatocytes in the aging human testis: formation, morphology, and degenerative fate

Abstract

The ultrastructural appearance of multinucleated spermatocytes in the aging human testis is documented emphasizing their mode of formation and their degenerative fate. Multinuclearity results from confluence of cell membranes of neighbouring spermatocytes of one clone. Intercellular bridges are not causally involved in this process but are only secondarily detached from the cell membrane and, attaining an intracellular position, subsequently disintegrate. Accompanying or following the process of formation of the multinucleated spermatocytes, these cells undergo degeneration. There are no indications of a regular further development of multinucleated spermatocytes. Though quite rarely found within the aging human seminiferous epithelium, the appearance of these cells represents a germ-cell loss at the spermatocyte stage.