reproductive system
• germ cell apoptosis is increased to greater than 30% per tubule in homozygous males
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• Leydig cells contain fewer lipid droplets and swollen mitochondria withou normal central cristae, however basal circulating testosterone levels are normal
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• testes weight is reduced by 25% in mutants
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• chromatid bodies are unusually condensed, much smaller, and lack the typical amorphous 'nuage' texture throughout spermatogenesis
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• spermatogenesis arrests after step 8 with round spermatids but no elongating cells seen
• only degenerating spermatids are seen in the epididymis
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• homozygous mutant males are sterile, but mutant females are fertile
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endocrine/exocrine glands
• Leydig cells contain fewer lipid droplets and swollen mitochondria withou normal central cristae, however basal circulating testosterone levels are normal
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• testes weight is reduced by 25% in mutants
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cellular
• germ cell apoptosis is increased to greater than 30% per tubule in homozygous males
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