Spermiogenesis in Melanophryniscus cambaraensis (Amphibia, Anura, Bufonidae): ultrastructural and cytochemical studies of carbohydrates using lectins.

Spermiogenesis in the bufonid Melanophryniscus cambaraensis was analysed ultrastructurally. The nucleus of spermatids undergoes morphological modifications divided into five distinct stages based on chromatin condensation. The acrosomal vesicle differentiates into an acrosome and a subacrosomal cone, which cap the anterior region of the nucleus. The spermatozoa consist of the head with a nucleus and acrosomal complex and the tail, with an axoneme, an axial rod and an undulating membrane. The participation of several carbohydrate moieties during this differentiation process was detected using various gold-labelled lectins.