Histomorphometric Aspects of Testicular Morphogenesis in the Naturally Unilateral Cryptorchid Pig

• Published in: Biology of reproduction Vol. 17; no. 4; pp. 473 - 479
• Main Authors: van Straaten, H W, Wensing, C J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Society for the Study of Reproduction 01.11.1977
• Subjects: Age Factors; Animals; Body Weight; Cryptorchidism; Germ Cells - pathology; Leydig Cells - pathology; Male; Morphogenesis; Organ Size; Seminiferous Tubules - pathology; Swine; Testis - growth & development; Testis - pathology
• ISSN: 0006-3363; 1529-7268
• DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod17.4.473

The abdominal and scrotal testes of naturally unilateral cryptorchid pigs, ranging in age from 12½ weeks postcoitum up to sexual maturity were investigated by histomorphometry in an attempt to determine the time of onset and subsequent development of testicular aberrations, characteristic of the cryptorchid condition. Both the abdominal and scrotal testes were compared with testes of a group of normal pigs. Testicular development in both the abdominal and scrotal testis of the cryptorchid pig progresses normally until birth. During the first month postpartum aberrations in the abdominal testis become evident. The marked perinatal development of the Leydig cells as well as the consequently occurring increase in testis weight is less pronounced. The doubling rate of the germ cells is diminished after birth. From the second month postpartum onwards the diameter of the seminiferous tubules decreases in comparison to that of the companion scrotal and to the normal testis; the pubertal increase in diameter is delayed and reduced, while the increase in length is almost ceased. Although the total number of germ cells per testis increases during the total period covered by this investigation, spermatocytes are only occasionally present during prepuberty. The companion scrotal testis becomes hypertrophic after the first month postpartum. At first this is mainly due to a more pronounced development of the Leydig cells, but at puberty all testicular components contribute equally to the hypertrophy.