[Macroscopy, light and electron microscopy studies on the genesis and function of the gonads after experimental sex-reversal following left-side ovariectomy of hen chicks (Gallus domesticus)].
Complete left ovariectomy of female chicken results in a phenotypic sex-reversal accompanied by the development of a right fertile or sterile testoid. Incomplete left ovariectomy can induce either a sterile or fertile ovariotestoid or a sterile testoid. In comparison with the normal testis the right testoid of sex-reversed hens shows many abnormalities: The size of the testoid of juvenile sex-reversed hens is only about 10 x 2 mm and those of the adults about 20 x 10 mm. First signs of maturation division are visible 25 weeks after hatching, i.e. a retardation of 8 weeks. The histology of the testoids is very heteromorphic and considerably different from that of a normal testis. The spermatogenic parenchyma consists of supporting-cell-areas (SERTOLI-cell only tissue), sterile testis-cords (SERTOLI-cell only cords) and of fertile testis-cords. According to the differentiation of the germ cells and supporting cells respectively, the testis cords are subdivided into 4 stages. Spermatogenesis is stopped in the spermatid stage and it is impossible to enforce further maturation by utilizing the direct spermatogenic effect of high androgen doses. The ultimate component of the blood-testis barrier, the inter-SERTOLI-cell junctions, is visible neither in the sterile nor the fertile testis-cords. Thus, as far as the immune system is concerned, the haploid germ cells are acting like endogenic foreign-body cells. This becomes apparent by severe cell death and finally by a total destruction of testis-cords. The interstitial-glandular parenchyma consists of testicular single-interstitial-cells (LEYDIG-cells), ovarian interstitial-cell-nodules and interstitial-cell-areas. Statements concerning the qualitative and quantitative ability of the interstitial cells are made using morphological criteria and by consideration of test data in steroid-hormones. As to the atypical cytomorphology of interstitial-cells (4 types are distinguishable) distinct deviations in the hormonal status are visible in comparison with male controls: The testosterone concentration in plasma is decreased by the factor or 8.4, while the estradiol concentration is increased by the factor of 4.3. Attempts at normalizing the testosterone concentration by experimental stimulation with gonadotrophins failed. It is obvious that the interstitial-cell-nodules, the interstitial-cell-areas as well as the supporting cells originate from epithelial cells of the medullary cords (Chordae medullares) and from the epithelial cells of the distended medullary cords (Lacunae medullares). In other words the above mentioned cells are of epitheliogenic origin.
D000818:Animals; D002369:Castration; D002645:Chickens / Q000502:physiology*; D012734:Disorders of Sex Development; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010053:Ovary / Q000166:cytology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D010641:Phenotype; D013737:Testis / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure
Makroskopische, licht- und elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchung zu Genese und Funktion der Gonaden nach experimenteller Geschelechtsumkehr infolge linksseitiger Ovarektomie von Henneküken (Gasslus Domesticus).