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. 2004 May 10;101(20):7793–7798. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0308025101

Fig. 4.

Fig. 4.

Disrupted spermatogenesis in the HPC testis. A-F are images taken from Bouin's solution-fixed, paraffin-embedded, and periodic acid/Schiff reagent-stained testis cross sections. (A) Robust spermatogenesis in an 8-week-old WT mouse (×200). (B) A low-power image (×200) shows disrupted spermatogenesis in an 8-week-old high-percentage Klhl10 chimeric male. Numbers of late spermatids are depleted, and multiple vacuoles (arrows) are present in the seminiferous epithelium. (C) A tubule from a HPC male containing spermatocytes (arrows), but no spermatids. Vacuoles (V) are present within the epithelium (×400). (D) A tubule from a HPC male containing fewer round spermatids (arrows) and late spermatids (arrowheads). Vacuoles (V) are present within the epithelium (×400). (E) A stage X tubule from a WT male displaying synchronized germ-cell maturation. All spermatids are at step 10 (arrows), which coexist with late pachytene and leptotene spermatocytes (×400). (F) A representative tubule with asynchronized development of haploid cells in a young (4-week-old) HPC testis (×500). Spermatids at step 5 (circled in red), steps 9-10 (yellow), and steps 11 and 12 (blue) are present simultaneously in one stage. Some spermatids appear to be degenerating (green). G-J are images of TUNEL assay with 4% paraformaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded testis cross sections. (G) Three TUNEL-positive germ cells (arrows) are visible in a cross section of a WT testis (8-week-old). (H) Numerous TUNEL-positive germ cells (arrows) are present in a HPC testis (12-week-old). In WT testis, TUNEL-positive spermatids are rarely seen (see G and refs. 37 and 38). (I) Four TUNEL-positive round spermatids (arrowheads) and one TUNEL-positive spermatogonium (arrow) are present in this cross section of a HPC testis. (J) Multiple TUNEL-positive spermatids (arrowheads) and spermatocytes (arrows) are present in a cross section of a HPC (8-week-old) testis. Some morphologically apparent degenerating spermatids are TUNEL-negative (circles). (magnifications: G and H, ×200; I and J, ×400).