Journal Article
Age changes in the testis of the teleost, Astyanax mexicanus
Rasquin, P. and Hafter, E.
Record Number:
4935
Year:
1951
Journal:
Journal of Morphology
Pages:
397-407
Volume:
89
Abstract:
The testes of 53 Astyanax mexicanus were studied, of which
49 were from fish three months to three years old, and 4 were
from 6-year-old fish. The testis is a paired, lobulated structure,
The lobules, lined with spermatogenic tissue are confluent
with the sperm ducts which are lined with secretory epithelium.
Age changes appear in two forms: infiltration of connective
tissue and formation of concretions within the lobules and
spermatic ducts. The concretions are formed from a thickening
of the sperm duct fluid, the composition of which is made
up at least in part of the secretion of the epithelial lining of
the duct. It is thought probable that the secretion of the teleost
sperm duct is analogous to a combination of mammalian
prostatic and seminal vesicle secretions. The appearance of
senility changes shows that the teleosts conform to the common
vertebrate pattern of aging despite a widespread misconception
to the contrary.
Times Cited:
1
Relevent Species: