TESTIS DIFFERENTIATION IN FETAL AND POSTNATAL FERRET

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  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 123  (JUL) , 589-599
Abstract
Testis development were examined in serial sections through the gonad regions of 59 fetal and 9 postnatal ferrets, from day 22 of the 40-42 day pregnancy to 12 days after birth. Developing seminiferous tubules and interstitial cells were 1st seen on day 26 and were well established 1 day later. Differentiation was associated with cell enlargement and cell division, and consequently the testes grew distinctly more rapidly at this time than litter-mate ovaries. Up to the end of pregnancy, the epitheliod interstitial cells, derived from stromal tissue, formed a large proportion of the testis. Lipid, distinguishable histologically, was present in them from about day 30. These Leydig cells appeared to show some regression around the time of birth, when the seminiferous tubules resume their growth. The intra-gonadal rete was present from day 22 onwards; it established connections with the seminiferous tubules through small tubuli recti by day 32.