Abstract
Summary
The male AxC rat exhibits a genetically-determined anomalous development of the genitourinary apparatus including absence of one kidney, ureter, vas deferens, and seminal vesicle associated with testicular hypoplasia on the same side. Detailed histochemical and histological analysis of the postnatal development of the defective testis reveals that this testis can not be differentiated from the normal testis until puberty, at which time it exhibits a total failure of tubular maturation and spermatogenic function. Interstitial cells, however, continue to develop normally and exhibit normal endocrine function and removal of the normal testis does not lead to atrophy of the prostate or seminal vesicle. Surgical extirpation of the vas deferens during the prepuberal period does not lead to any alteration in subsequent development of the normal testis. It may be concluded that this instance of testicular hypoplasia represents a genetically determined defect with delayed somatic manifestation.
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