Ageing of the spermatogenesis system

This review summarizes the data characterizing the effect of ageing on the development of male germ cells and their hereditary structures. We have studied causes of spermatogenesis reduction at late stages of ontogenesis. We have focused on age-specific changes of the structural-functional integrity of stem spermatogonial cells and their microenvironment (niche). We also examined several unique and specific features of the spermatogenic system in senescence-accelerated mutant mice (SAM), with accelerated ageing.