The manchette in Stage 14 rat spermatids: A possible structural relationship with the redundant nuclear envelope

Summary Morphologic studies were performed on the summer cell of Stilling in the interrenal gland of the American bullfrog. Ultrastructural studies showed the cell to be packed with membrane-bound granules similar to those of the juxtaglomerular apparatus granules in the mammalian kidney. These granules reacted positively with several stains for granules of cells in the juxtaglomerular apparatus. The Stilling cells are intimately associated with the cortical cells and contain rough endoplasmic reticulum and granules in varying degrees of development associated with the Golgi apparatus. It is concluded that the Stilling cell may secrete a renin-like substance that may function in an aldosterone-stimulating reninangiotensin system.Supported in part by N. I. H. Grant RR 06138 Health Sciences Advancement Award.