Abstract
THE male sex gland of the Craniata is, like other endocrine organs, extremely ancient in origin. It occurs in the Agnatha (for example, Petromyzon) and throughout the gnathostome series with relatively little recorded variation except in the Urodela. With the above exception, and another about to be described, the interstitial gland is characteristically composed of aggregations of modified connective tissue cells which occupy interstices between the seminiferous tubules of the testis. These secretory Leydig cells have a generally similar appearance, and exhibit certain common histochemical properties, in both jawless fishes and, for example, man. The interstitial aggregation of Leydig cells may constitute either a permanent secretory unit (as in most mammals) or may be renewed at the end of each breeding rhythm as in seasonal birds1.
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References
Marshall, A. J., Quart. J. Micro. Soc., 90, 265 (1949).
Craig-Bennett, A., Phil. Trans. Roy. Soc., B, 219, 197 (1930).
Jones, J. W., Proc. Roy. Soc, B, 128, 499 (1940).
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MARSHALL, A., LOFTS, B. The Leydig-cell Homologue in Certain Teleost Fishes. Nature 177, 704–705 (1956). https://doi.org/10.1038/177704a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/177704a0
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