Morphometry, Frequency and Ultrastructure of Male Germ Cells In Morphotypes of The Freshwater Prawn Macrobrachium Amazonicum (Decapoda: Palaemonidae)

Publication date: Available online 27 November 2018Source: Zoologischer AnzeigerAuthor(s): Gicelle M.F. Silva, Yanne A. Mendes, Ivana K.S. Viana, Liziane A.B. Gonçalves, Renata S. Oliveira, Rossineide M. Rocha, Maria A.P. FerreiraAbstractMales of the freshwater prawn species, Macrobrachium amazonicum, have been staged histologically into morphotypes, Translucent claw (TC), Cinnamon claw (CC) and Green claw (GC). However, information on reproductive system anatomy and spermatogenesis among morphotypes is scarce. Our aim was to describe the frequency of spermatogenic cells, morphometry of seminiferous tubules and spermatogenic cells, and spermiogenesis to establish any differences among morphotypes. Specimens were captured and sexed. Testes were dissected, processed, and analyzed using light, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy. Macroscopically, testes were symmetrical, elongated, and translucid, with long vasa deferentia ending in ampoules. Histologically, testes exhibited seminiferous tubules with the germinal epithelium containing male germ cells in different stages of development and supporting cells. The diameter of seminiferous tubules was largest (P<0.05) in the GC morphotype. Germ cell types were evaluated based upon size, as well as their cytoplasm and nuclear chromatin organization. Spermatozoa were the only germ cells displaying no differences in size among morphotypes. According to shape and localization, we classified spermatids into three subtypes:...
Source: A Journal of Comparative Zoology - Category: Zoology Source Type: research