Induced Gametogenesis in a Monogenetic Trematode, Polystoma stellai Vigueras, 1955

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Abstract
Pituitaries, dissected from frogs. Rana pipiens. were implanted into the dorsal lymph sacs of half-grown Hyla septentrionalis 3 times a week for 3 weeks. Gonads of these animals more than doubled in size as compared with controls, and filled with spermatozoa. One of 4 specimens, which had received implants of 28 pituitaries, contained a single polystome which is identified as Polystoma stellai Vigueras. 1955. It is less than one half the size of the type specimen, but the testes are filled with spermatozoa and the ovary is functional, with ova in the oviduct. This experiment demonstrates that gonadotropic hormones of a vertebrate can induce sexual maturity in an invertebrate.
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