Descriptive kinetics of spermatogenesis in four chromosomal species of the Spalax ehrenbergi superspecies in Israel

The descriptive kinetics of the spermatogenic process has been studied in the four chromosomal species of Spalax ehrenbergi between November and March, the active period of reproduction. Spermatid development can be subdivided into 16 steps in which the acrosome formation is clearly distinguishable and the Golgi, cap and acrosomic phases are identifiable. The first 12 steps of spermiogenesis can be utilized for the definition of characteristic time‐dependent relationships among different germ cell associations (stages): twelve stages, I–XII, are clearly identifiable. In this regard no differences exist among the four chromosomal species. In general, the spermatogenic process in this species has the same pattern as that of Mus domesticus. Two relevant points distinguish Spalax spermatogenesis from Mus spermatogenesis: 1) the presence, throughout the stages I–XII of the seminiferous epithelium cycle of a larger size, oval shaped spermatogonium type containing heterochromatic granulations; 2) the Sertoli cells show only one heterochromatic clump closely attached to the nucleolus; moreover, the Sertoli cell cytoplasm is more PAS‐positive than that of Mus.