HORMONAL INFLUENCE ON TESTIS GRAFTS IN THE SPLEENS OF RATS

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Abstract
Testicular tissue removed from immature rats was implanted into the spleens of 175 rats of both sexes. In 20 out of 50 castrated rats living 9-11 months after the implantation a tumour-like growth was observed in the graft. Only in 1 out of 62 non-castrated rats was a living graft observed. Absence of a peripheral hormone control in castrated rats brings about proliferation of Leydig''s cells in the grafts. The grafts were still alive in 6 out of 15 rats treated with testosterone propionate, and in 5 out of 15 treated with estradiol benzoate. A remarkable proliferation of the Leydig''s cells occurred in the grafts of 10 out of 15 non-castrated rats injected with suspensions of testis tissue from newborn rats. The results obtained show that proliferation of the interstitial Leydig''s cells in testicular grafts in the spleens of castrated rats may be due to hormonal stimulation exerted by the adeno-hypophysis. No definite growth was observed either with testosterone propionate or estradiol benzoate treatment in this study, but some grafts did remain in the spleens after treatment had ceased.