Examination of telocyte morphology and organization in young adult and aged rat testicles, by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy

The telocytes is an interstitial cell type found in many organs and distributed in connective tissues, forming three-dimensional cell networks. A telocyte is characterized by a small cell body and variable number of long thin cell processes called telopode. Telopodes establish connections among themselves and with other cell types and form three-dimensional networks. Telocytes are involved in intercellular signaling, immune surveillance, stem-cell guidance and tissue regeneration. Findings suggests that telocytes can take part in preservation of tissue homeostasis and cellular renewal through short-range and long-range cellular communication. Despite the presence of telocytes in various organs, additional studies are needed to clarify the possible roles of telocytes in the testes. In the present study, examination of the presence, distribution and organization of telocytes in the testes will shed light on functions of the telocytes in the testes, which may provide new information to prevent and treat testicular disorders. In this study, it is aimed toevaluate the presence, morphology and organization of telocytes in young adult and aged rat testicles, by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy (TEM) methods and to evaluate the differences of these cells. In our study 8-10 months young adult and 32-34 months aged 30 Wistar Albino male rats were used and seperated into the 2 groups. The results of our study confirmed the presence of telocyte-like cells in young adult and aged rat testes. Telocytes were localized around the seminiferous tübüles in the testes. These cells did not make a significant morphological difference in either groups.