Ultrastructural and histochemical study on the interrenal cells of the male stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus, Teleostea), in relation to the reproductive annual cycle.

The steroidogenic interrenal cells in the adrenal homologue of the male stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) were studied in relation to the reproductive cycle by means of histological and ultrastructural observations, and using histochemical methods for the localisation of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3betaHSD) and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17betaHSD). To determine the various stages of the reproductive cycle, the testes were also examined by histological and histochemical methods (3betaHSD). The results indicate that in this teleost the interrenal cells can undergo a cycle in which phases characterised by different cytological aspects are observed. During this cycle there is a renewal of organelles, in particular mitochondria and SER. Periodic degenerative processes are also found. Organelle cytology showed that the cell cycle has at least 3 different aspects during the year. An analogy with some cytological aspects of the adrenal zonation in mammals is possible. It is postulated that the interrenal gland activity could substitute or supplement androgen production by the testes.