OBSERVATIONS ON THE GUBERNACULUM DURING DESCENT OF THE TESTIS

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 16  (5) , 365-368
Abstract
The mechanisms that influence the descent of the testis are not clear. The gubernaculum is conspicuous during descent, but virtually disappears after descent is complete. Early in gestation, the rat gubernacular bulb consists of loose mesenchymal cells that develop into fibrillar cells. These later thicken into rhabdomyoblasts that, near the end of gestation, differentiate into spiral striated muscle bundles and eventually migrate outward into the abdominal/scrotal wall. The rhabdomyoblasts of the female gubernaculum do not differentiate further but rather undergo fatty degeneration. Spiral contractions of the attached gubernaculum possibly produce tension on the testis and induce descent. The gubernaculum as the receptor organ for testicular descent may be responsive to local testicular hormones. Likely candidates are testosterone, dihydrotestosterone or Mullerian Inhibiting Substance. A thorough knowledge of the sequential differentiation of the gubernaculum during embryonic development is the basis for the study of its response to hormonal manipulation both in vivo and in vitro.

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