Meiosis and spermiogenesis in the testis of Salamandra salamandra (L.) (Amphibia, Urodela).

Meiosis and spermiogenesis in the fire salamander, Salamandra salamandra, take place in an intermediate zone of the testis between the cephal immature and the more caudal mature part. Primary spermatocytes in zytogene and pachytene are characterized by synaptonemal complexes, flattened vesicles at the periphery of the cytoplasm and mitochondria with dilated cristae. Mitochondria in primary spermatocytes during meiosis, in secondary spermatocytes and early spermatids are typically arranged beneath the plasmalemma. Secondary spermatocytes are provided with pro-acrosomal granules, nucleolus-like bodies and complexes of annulate lamellae. Cytoplasmic parts with numerous vesicles seem to become extruded from secondary spermatocytes and spermatids. In testicular lobules containing pachytene spermatocytes the normally fibroblast-like follicle cells transform into glandular Sertoli cells. Already after the second meiotic division of germ cells lobule boundary cells show morphological features of steroid hormone secreting cells.