Ultrastructural differences between Leydig cells of horses: asses and hinnies

Abstract

The ultrastructure of Leydig cells of horses, asses and hinnies was compared to show the morphological differences among them. These cells have a well developed smooth endoplasmic reticulum, indicating a normal steroidogenic activity, but in the horse, this organelle seems to be a litle more abundant. The mitochondria was round, small and numerous. In asses and hinnies a great amount of microfilaments appear mainly near the nucclei. The function of these filaments is unknown, because there is no aparent reason for these cells to have a well developed cytoskeletal since they are imobile and don't have a supporting function, except, by, the steroids precursors and intracellular organelles transport.