Development of the mouse testis from fetal period to adulthood

Abstract

The development of mouse testis was studied from 15^th day of fetal life up to adult age. The prepared slides for histological study in light microscopy were stained by periodic acid - Schiff and Haematoxylin of Harris (PAS + H). The results show that in fetal life the seminiferous tubules are constituted by gonocytes and immature sustentation cells. In the interstitial tissue, Leydig cells are found. Spermatogenesis begins soon after birth. The seminiferous epithelium becomes thicker at day 14 postnatal when spermatocytes in meiotic prophase are observed. At day 21 postnatal the seminiferous epithelium contains spermatogonia, spermatocytes and Sertoli cells. The first spermatids are observed at day 28 postnatal and at day 42 postnatal mature spermatids occur. From day 56 postnatal on the seminiferous epithelium, as well as the interstitial tissue, present the aspect and typical characteristic of the adult mouse.