Modifications in the plasma membrane of elongated ram spermatids : A cytochemical study

Abstract

Summary. Specific contrast of spermatid membranes was obtained using thiocarbohy-drazide and silver proteinate staining applied on sections of ram testis, rapidly fixed and embedded in Spurr’s medium. The contrast first appeared in the Golgi cisternae of young spermatids before becoming apparent in the proacrosomal granules, which later showed no more contrast while the acrosomal membrane began to stain. Some stained parts of that membrane were emitted in the cytoplasm of early elongating spermatids as posta-crosomal vesicles (Courtens, 1978a). These vesicles were carried to the posterior cyto-plasm of elongated spermatids, following a well-defined route into the cell. They finally fused with the plasma membrane which was progressively stained with the cytochemical procedure used. The controls might indicate the staining of lipid-associated subtsance(s).