Cell counting and three-dimensional reconstruction to identify a cellular wave in human spermatogenesis

OBJECTIVE: To collect quantitative and stereologic data on the main cell ty pes represented in the seminiferous tubule in order to produce a three-dime nsional representation of the morphologic events of normal cell production and maturation. STUDY DESIGN: Three-dimensional reconstruction and differential cell counti ng were performed on serial sections of normal testicular tissue from norma l young men through image analysis and computer-based rendering. RESULTS: Peculiar periodicity in the total number of tubular cells consider ed along the sequence of serial sections was recognized. Also, consensual p eriodicity pertaining to each cell type was recognized. Adjacent high cellu larity and low cellularity segments included a fairly constant mixture of c ell types considered. CONCLUSION: A newly defined cellular wave, composed of regular alternations of high and low cellularity segments, was identified in the normal human s eminiferous tubule.