The ultrastructure of the Sertoli cell of the vervet monkey, Chlorocebus aethiops

The ultrastructure of the Sertoli cell of the vervet monkey was studied using both scanning and transmission electron microscopic techniques. SEM micrographs revealed perforated sleeve-like processes which encased mature elongated spermatids which are ready for spermiation. TEM micrographs showed a large Sertoli cell nucleus characterized by many lobes (4–5) and consisting of a homogenous nucleoplasm and a distinctive nucleolus. The nucleus occupies a significant portion of the basal region of the cell. The distribution of chromatin clearly shows high activity of these cells. Lipid droplets and free ribosomes are also found scattered throughout the cytoplasm. Well-developed Golgi apparatus is found in the basal region of the cell. There is phagocytic activity in the Sertoli cells as revealed by the presence of numerous phagosomes. Numerous mitochondria with well-developed tubular cristae are found on the basal side of the nucleus, whereas few mitochondria are located on the apical side of the nucleus. Distinct desmosomes are located between cells. A well-developed smooth endoplasmic reticulum and granular endoplasmic reticulum are frequently found in the cytoplasm of the Sertoli cells. The results of this investigation showed that Sertoli cells of the vervet monkey are almost similar to those of humans and show many similarities with other mammalian species.