Structure, cytochemistry, endocytic activity, and immunoglobulin (Fc) receptors of rat testicular interstitial-tissue macrophages.

Macrophages are common in rat testicular interstitial tissues. Interstitial-tissue macrophages were characterized using ultrastructural, cytochemical, immunologic, and autoradiograhic methods. Testicular interstitial-tissue macrophages have a single indented nucleus, paranuclear Golgi complex, rough endoplasmic reticulum, coated vesicles, and numerous heterogeneous lysosomal vacuoles. Long filopodia and lamellopodia extent from the macrophage cell body into the lymphatic space. Macrophages are usually found adjacent to Leydig cells, and numerous Leydig cell processes are inserted into coated membrane invaginations on the macrophage surface. Secondary lysosomal vacuoles in the macrophage are cytochemically reactive for acid phosphatase (trimetaphosphatase) and aryl sulfatase. Testicular interstitial macrophages are endocytically active, avidly incorporating exogenously administered trypan blue dye and monomeric plutonium-citrate. Macrophages were isolated from the testes by allowing them to adhere to glass. The isolated macrophages were found to have receptors for the Fc portion of immunoglobulin G on their surface. The association of macrophages with Leydig cells and their endocytic and immunologic activity suggests that these cells may play an important role(s) in testicular functions. In addition, the ability of these cells to incorporate exogenous materials indicates that they could have a role in gonadal toxicity reactions.