[Characterization of the convoluted seminiferous tubule wall. II. Ultrastructural alteration after testis retention in the abdominal cavity].

An ultrastructural analysis has been carried out on the seminiferous tubules after different periods of stay of the rat testis in the abdominal cavity. With respect to control rats, no changes are detectable after 5 days, while after 15 and 30 days considerable modifications take place. A number of cellular features are modified, such as the nuclear shape and the perinuclear vesicles, while the cytoplasmic filaments show a less ordered appearance. In addition, the extracellular amorphous matrix undergoes a large increase, due either to an enhanced production or to a reduced turnover related with a lowered cell activity.