Morphogenesis and cytochemistry of the postacrosomal dense lamina during mouse spermiogenesis

Abstract

During the elongation phase of spermiogenesis in the mouse, a layer of electron-dense material appears just below the posterior portion of the acrosomal zonule. Subsequently this material accumulates on the outer side of the nuclear envelope immediately subjacent to the caudal tip of the acrosomal zonule--the anlage of the future postnuclear band--as well as on the inner side of the plasma membrane vis-à-vis to this region--the anlage of the future postacrosomal dense lamina (PADL). Corresponding to further development the postacrosomal region of the nucleus becomes directly enveloped by the plasma membrane, and the PADL, situated on its inner side, grows adequately. The postnuclear band, however, staying the same size as in the preceding elongation phase, gets shifted to the caudal end of the PADL, where it closes the perinuclear space. Since the anlagen and the mature PADL and postnuclear band show the same cytochemical reactions as the dense basal plaque of the acrosomal zonule and the thin layer on the nuclear envelope vis-à-vis to it, a relationship between these structures can be assumed. Furthermore, the demonstration of ribonucleoproteins in all these structures is discussed in connection with a possible nucleolar genesis.