An ultrastructural and histochemical study of the interstitial cells in the gonads of the fetal horse.
Abstract: Gonadal tissue obtained at about 50-day intervals from Days 60 to 300 of gestation was examined histologically, histochemically and in the electron microscope. The marked enlargement of the gonads (ovaries or testes) reached a peak around Day 250 and was caused by hypertrophy and hypoplasia of interstitial cells. These cells had all the ultrastructural characteristics of a steroid-secreting cell but delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) was not detected at any stage of their development. There was no significant change in the ultrastructure of the interstitial cells between Days 100 and 250 except for a progressive increase in the number of dense bodies. By Day 300 the fetal gonads had begun to regress and degenerative changes were apparent in the interstitial cells. The possible mechanisms controlling the growth of the fetal gonads and their function in steroidogenesis is discussed.
Publication Date: 1975-10-01 PubMed ID: 1060844
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This study investigates the growth, structure, and function of the interstitial cells found in the gonads of a developing fetal horse. The researchers noted significant cell changes and potential steroid-secreting attributes, yet found no evidence of a particular enzyme integral to steroidogenesis.
Objective and Methodology
- The study focuses on the gonadal tissue of a horse fetus, from gestation day 60 to 300. The tissue was examined using histological, histochemical, and electron microscope methods.
- The objective is to understand the development and characteristics of the interstitial cells in the gonads during fetal development, as well as to explore their potential function in steroidogenesis.
Key Findings
- There was a significant enlargement of the gonads, either ovaries or testes, which peaked around day 250 of gestation. This expansion was attributed to hypertrophy (growth in size) and hypoplasia (underdevelopment) of the interstitial cells.
- These interstitial cells exhibited all ultrastructural traits of steroid-secreting cells, though a key enzyme in steroid synthesis, known as delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD), was undetectable in these cells throughout their development process.
- No significant change in the ultrastructure of the interstitial cells was observed between days 100 and 250, except for a progressive increase in the number of dense bodies within these cells.
- By day 300 of gestation, the fetal gonads started to regress and degenerative changes started appearing in the interstitial cells.
Implications and Further Discussion
- The study provides in-depth insights into the development and configuration of the interstitial cells in the fetal horse gonads, as well as their possible relationship with steroidogenesis.
- The absence of 3beta-HSD in the interstitial cells poses questions about the steroid-producing source in the fetal horse gonads.
- The study considers potential mechanisms controlling the growth of fetal gonads and their function in steroidogenesis, suggesting the need for additional research in the area to corroborate the findings.
Cite This Article
APA
Hay MF, Allen WR.
(1975).
An ultrastructural and histochemical study of the interstitial cells in the gonads of the fetal horse.
J Reprod Fertil Suppl(23), 557-561.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Connective Tissue / ultrastructure
- Connective Tissue Cells
- Female
- Gestational Age
- Histocytochemistry
- Horses / embryology
- Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / analysis
- Male
- Ovary / cytology
- Ovary / embryology
- Testis / cytology
- Testis / embryology
Citations
This article has been cited 5 times.- Gao Y, Hannan MA, Murata K, Rajabi-Toustani R, Nambo Y. Ultrasonographic examination of equine fetal growth parameters throughout gestation in pony for Equine-Assisted Therapy.. J Vet Med Sci 2022 Jan 7;84(1):74-81.
- Ono M, Akuzawa H, Nambo Y, Hirano Y, Kimura J, Takemoto S, Nakamura S, Yokota H, Himeno R, Higuchi T, Ohtaki T, Tsumagari S. Analysis of the equine ovarian structure during the first twelve months of life by three-dimensional internal structure microscopy.. J Vet Med Sci 2016 Jan;77(12):1599-603.
- Stansfield FJ, Nöthling JO, Allen WR. Growth and development of the ovary and small follicle pool from mid fetal life to pre-puberty in the African elephant (Loxodonta africana).. BMC Vet Res 2012 Jul 23;8:119.
- Allen WR. Ovulation, pregnancy, placentation and husbandry in the African elephant (Loxodonta africana).. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2006 May 29;361(1469):821-34.
- Kerr JB, Bartlett JM, Donachie K. Acute response of testicular interstitial tissue in rats to the cytotoxic drug ethane dimethanesulphonate. An ultrastructural and hormonal assay study.. Cell Tissue Res 1986;243(2):405-14.
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