Spermatocytes of the caddisfly Potamophylax rotundipennis ( Trichoptera, Insecta): a fine structure study with emphasis on synaptonemal complex plates associated with chromatin

Abstract

Electron microscopy of ultrathin sections was used to study the restructuring of primary spermatocytes in a caddisfly, Potamophylax rotundipennis ( Limnephilidae). Spindle structure was also examined using light microscopy of dividing spermatocytes lysed in a microtubule-stabilizing buffer. The bulk of pachytene spermatocytes was usual in that the nuclei contained tripartite synaptonemal complexes (SCs). The SCs were attached end-on to the inner face of the nuclear envelope and loosely surrounded by electron-dense chromatin. Cells of this type gave rise to late prophase I spermatocytes, where SCs were missing and chromatin condensation was advanced. By metaphase I, a conventional bipolar spindle apparatus assembled, bivalents were aligned at the spindle equator, and membrane sheets were scattered throughout the spindle matrix. Prominent interzone spindles were typical of telophase spermatocytes. However, a subset of prophase I spermatocytes possessed unusual forms of SCs. The analysis of short series of ultrathin sections through the nuclei revealed plates composed of synaptonemal complex material. These elements will be referred to as ‘SC plates’. Within the SC plates, the tripartite organization typical of regular SCs was preserved. The chromatin surrounding the SC plates was highly condensed. The SC plates ended abruptly within the nuclear lumen and did not reach the nuclear envelope. Finally, branching of SC plates was common. In light of the bizarre organization of SC material and its relation to the chromatin, and because spermatocytes with SC plates do not readily fit into the regular development of male germ cells in the caddisfly, we venture the suggestion that the SC plates are not physiological intermediates of SC disassembly. The affected cells most probably fail to complete meiosis.