Microarchitecture of the cat testis with special reference to Leydig cells. A three-dimensional study by alkali maceration method and scanning electron microscopy.

This paper describes for the first time the three dimensional organization of Leydig cells in the adult cat. Samples were obtained by castration of inpatients of a University clinics. Testis were macerated with NaOH in order to study either the cells as well as the extracellular matrix of the testis. Leydig cells showed between them a fine canalicular-like system formed by microvilli; this arrangement may favor passage of hormones and growth factors. Collagen fibers, in turn, formed a real three dimensional scaffold around seminiferous tubules and in the testicular lamina propria.