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Quantitative Analysis of Spermatogenesis and Apoptosis in the Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) Reveals High Rates of Spermatogonial Turnover and High Spermatogenic Efficiency¹

^a Institute of Reproductive Medicine of the University, D-48129 Münster, Germany ^b Department of Reproductive Biology, German Primate Centre, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany

ABSTRACT

Spermatogenesis is characterized by the succession in time and space of specific germ cell associations (stages). There can be a single stage (e.g., rodents and some macaques) or more than one stage (e.g., chimpanzee and human) per tubular cross section. We analyzed the organization of the seminiferous epithelium and quantified testicular germ cell production and apoptosis in a New World primate, the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). Tubule cross sections contained more than one stage, and the human six-stage system could be applied to marmoset spermatogenesis. Stereological (optical disector) analysis (n = 5) revealed high spermatogenic efficiency during meiosis and no loss of spermatids during spermiogenesis. The conversion of type A to type B spermatogonia was several-fold higher than that reported for other primates. Highest apoptotic rates were found for S-phase cells (20%) and 4C cells (15%) by flow cytometric analysis (n = 6 animals); histological analysis confirmed spermatogonial apoptosis. Haploid germ cell apoptosis was <2%. Marmoset spermatogenesis is very efficient and involves substantial spermatogonial proliferation. The prime determinants of germ cell production in primates appear to be proliferation and survival of spermatogonia rather than the efficiency of meiotic divisions. Based on the organizational similarities, common marmosets could provide a new animal model for experimental studies of human spermatogenesis.

FOOTNOTES

First decision: 23 February 2000.

¹ Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (G.F.W., H.A., A.E., J.K.H.) and by the Bundesministerium fuer Bildung und Forschung (M.H.B.). Preliminary data from this investigation were presented at the 32nd Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Pullman, WA, 1999.

² Correspondence: G.F. Weinbauer, Covance Laboratories GmbH, Kesselfeld 29, D-48163, Münster, Germany. FAX: 49 251 784697; gerhard.weinbauer{at}covance.com

³ Current address: Molecular Reproduction Research Laboratory, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1R7, Canada.

⁴ Current address: Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD7 1DP, United Kingdom.

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