The effect of orchidectomy on gubernacular outgrowth and regression in the dog

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Abstract
To test whether the outgrowth and regression of the gubernaculum testis and, consequently, testicular descent are testis-dependent, unilateral and bilateral orchidectomies were performed on fetal dogs at 49 days post coitum (pc) and on newborns at day 0 and day 3 after birth. Prior to these experiments, the vascularization of the testis, epididymis and gubernaculum had been studied to develop a method of orchidectomy in which the vascularization of the gubernaculum and epididymis was minimally damaged. After bilateral orchidectomy at 49 days pc, outgrowth of the gubernaculum stopped completely and the epididymis remained in its original abdominal position. After bilateral orchidectomy at birth, the descent of the remaining epididymis from an intra-abdominal to an extra-abdominal position was retarded, due to retarded regression of the gubernaculum. Bilateral orchidectomy 3 days after birth resulted in a slightly retarded gubernacular regression. After unilateral orchidectomies the effects were similar but less pronounced. The testis induces and maintains the outgrowth and initiates regression of the gubernaculum, thereby regulating the process of testicular descent. Once the regression had started, it appeared to proceed more or less autonomously.