Ultrastructure of Spermatogenesis in the Testis of Paragonimus heterotremus

• Published in: Korean journal of parasitology Vol. 51; no. 6; pp. 669 - 676
• Main Authors: Uabundit, Nongnut, Kanla, Pipatphong, Puthiwat, Phongphithak, Arunyanart, Channarong, Chaiciwamongkol, Kowit, Maleewong, Wanchai, Intapan, Pewpan M, Iamsaard, Sitthichai, Hipkaeo, Wiphawi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) 대한기생충학열대의학회 01.12.2013; The Korean Society for Parasitology and Tropical Medicine
• Subjects: Animals; Male; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Original; Paragonimus - physiology; Paragonimus - ultrastructure; Spermatogenesis; Spermatozoa - ultrastructure; Testis - ultrastructure; spermatogenesis; Paragonimus heterotremus; lung fluke; testis; spermiogenesis; ultrastructure
• ISSN: 0023-4001; 1738-0006; 1738-0006
• DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2013.51.6.669

Lung fluke, Paragonimus heterotremus, is a flatworm causing pulmonary paragonimiasis in cats, dogs, and humans in Southeast Asia. We examined the ultrastructure of the testis of adult P. heterotremus with special attention to spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The full sequence of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis, from the capsular basal lamina to the luminal surface, was demonstrated. The sequence comprises spermatogonia, spermatocytes with obvious nuclear synaptonemal complexes, spermatids, and eventual spermatozoa. Moreover, full steps of spermatid differentiation were shown which consisted of 1) early stage, 2) differentiation stage representing the flagella, intercentriolar body, basal body, striated rootlets, and electron dense nucleus of thread-like lamellar configuration, and 3) growing spermatid flagella. Detailed ultrastructure of 2 different types of spermatozoa was also shown in this study.