Testis microanatomy and spermatogenesis of the amphipod Hyalella curvispina Shoemaker 1942

Abstract

A microanatomical study of the testis and spermatogenesis of the freshwater amphipod Hyalella curvispina Shoemaker 1942 has been performed. The crustaceans were collected in the Arroyo Rivera (Saldungaray, Buenos Aires province, Argentina). Follicular cells undergo changes during spermatogenesis due to its secretory function. In the initial stage they present an oval nucleus and a strongly basophilic cytoplasm. As spermatogenesis progresses, nuclei hypertrophied, and the cytoplasm took on a foamy appearance due to the presence of vacuoles. The wall of the vesicle consists of two layers: an epithelium consisting of cubic glandular cells and an outer layer of fibrous connective tissue. The cells have eosinophilic granular secretion and turn their content into the lumen. Seminal fluid is constituted by secretions from cells of the testicular epithelium as well as glandular cells of the seminal vesicle.

Keywords: histology, testis, Amphipoda, freshwater.