Abstract
The rete testis connects seminiferous tubules in which germ cells develop to the efferent ducts and the epididymis, where gametes mature and gain mobility. Several recent studies have thoroughly explored the morphogenesis of this structure in mice during embryonic and postnatal periods. A part of the rete testis has been shown to derive from the precursors of gonad somatic cells before sex determination. The other part forms from embryonal Sertoli cells of testis cords adjacent to the mesonephros. The transformation of Sertoli cells into rete testis cells is apparently not limited to the embryonic stage of development and continues during postnatal testis development. Recently, it was found that the rete testis participates in the formation and maintenance of specialized Sertoli cells in terminal segments of seminiferous tubules, transitional zones. Current views suggest that the transitional zones of the seminiferous tubules may represent a niche for spermatogonial stem cells, the site of the prolonged proliferation of Sertoli cells in the pubertal and postpubertal periods of testis development, and also could be a generator of spermatogenic waves. To sum up, the rete testis transports gametes from the testis to the epididymis, maintains pressure within seminiferous tubules, regulates the composition of the testicular fluid, and impacts the spermatogenic process itself.
Highlights
In most animals, except for the primitive forms, male gametes development occurs in specialized organs, the testes
Differentiation begins with spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) located on the basement membrane surrounded by somatic Sertoli cells (SCs), which carry out a niche-forming function and support the development of germ cells at all stages of spermatogenesis (Fig. 1b)
The rete testis is a set of connected cavities and ducts lined with simple epithelium, through which sperm are transported from the gonad via the efferent tubules to the epididymis, in which they mature and gain mobility (Figs. 1a, 1c, 1d)
Summary
Nuity of male germ cell development (Perey et al, 1961). These findings, taken together, extend the functions of the rete testis beyond the simple transit of gametes from testis to epididymis, maintenance of intratesticular pressure, and regulation of the composition secreted by testes (Hess and Hermo, 2018), to involvement in the development of spermatogenic system and maintenance of spermatogenesis. We briefly overview recent findings concerning the development of the rete testis in mice, the structure and function of the transitional zones of the seminiferous tubules, and the involvement of the rete testis in their formation
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