DEGENERATIONS, DESMOGNATHUS 235 



figures 10, 11, 12, and 13 show cysts in different stages of degen- 

 eration. In most of these figures the nuclei of the follicle cells 

 may be recognized in the midst of the degenerating germ cells, 

 fragments and debris. 



Although occurring constantly and abundantly in the summer 

 months in this region of the testis, the degenerations appear 

 sporadically at other seasons. They have been found in late 

 fall (November) and in the spring (April). They are not as 

 abundant at these seasons but occur in the same region, i.e., in 

 the zone intermediate between the secondary spermatogonia and 

 the growing spermatocytes. It is obviously difficult to determine 

 whether such cells are spermatogonia or are young spermatocytes, 

 or whether they are all destined to disintegrate or whether some 

 may 'recover' from the extreme 'contracted' condition of the 

 nucleus which is so characteristic of early stages in this form of 

 degeneration. It was this that first suggested a comparison with 

 synizesis. This, however, will be discussed subsequently. 



The determination of the exact sequence of changes that occur 

 in the cell is difficult as it involves the larger question of the struc- 

 ture and functional changes in the nucleus and cell body. No 

 attempt has been made to follow systematically the changes in 

 the cytoplasm which are elusive and attention has therefore been 

 turned more particularly to the nucleus where the effect is strik- 

 ing. 



Degeneration in the nucleus seems to set in when the cell is 

 preparing for mitosis. In the prodromic stage the nuclei possess 

 a clear appearance with a definite delicate reticulum. It should 

 of c'ourse be appreciated that the point of immergence is inferred 

 from the structure of the apparently unchanged nuclei in the same 

 cyst or the same lobule. This inference may be seen to be justi- 

 fied if it be remembered that the cells in the same cyst are in nearly 

 identical stages, the same applying, but less closely, to the lobule. 

 Three such nuclei are shown in the upper left hand corner of figure 

 12. The definite changes of degeneration are initiated by the 

 contraction (collapse) of the nucleus such as is shown in figure 10. 

 There then appear in the degenerating nuclei numerous spherical 

 masses often lying in clear spaces as if in vacuoles (figures 11 and 



