Ultrastructural changes in the testes of prepubertal to aged African Greater Cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus, Temminck 1827)

Age-related changes in the testicular ultrastructure of cane rat

Abstract

This study investigated ultrastructural changes in the testes of prepubertal to aged African Greater Cane
rats (Thryonomys swinderianus). Twenty, pathogen-free AGCRs of known ages were used for this study.
The rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups (n = 5) as follows: Groups 1 (prepubertal), 2 (pubertal), 3
(adult) and 4 (aged). Testicular tissues were processed routinely and viewed under a Transmission
Electron Microscope. Sertoli cell nuclei were uniquely roundish in prepubertal compared to their
triangular shape in others. Also, spermatogonia and spermatocytes in prepubertal had more mitochondria
and euchromatic nuclei compared to others. The Leydig cell cytoplasm in pubertal rats contained
numerous mitochondria, and lipid droplets as well as the smooth endoplasmic reticulum when compared
to others. This study has demonstrated specific ultrastructural changes in the testes of the African Greater
Cane rat with age advancement that could perhaps be associated with the reproductive status; quiescence
or activeness of different age groups of the rats investigated.