Single cilia formation in cells of the testicular interstitium in fertile men.

Testicular biopsies from 4 infertile men showing germinal cell aplasia with interstitial cell hyperplasia on light microscopy were studied by electron microscopy. Single cilia formation was observed in myoid cells, fibroblast-like cells and Leydig cells in the interstitium. Only 1 cilium was seen per cell. Transverse sections of most of cilia showed a 9 + 0 pattern of microtubule configuration. Cross striated rootlet fibers were attached to the basal bodies. The significance of the presence of cilia in the testicular interstitium is discussed.