Genetic differences in the structure of the mouse testes
Godowicz, B.
Folia Biologica 21(4): 361-377
1973
ISSN/ISBN: 0015-5497 PMID: 4771359 Document Number: 57882
Differences were observed among strains KE, KP and C57 in testicular histology. KP males were characterised by large numbers of necrotic spermatogenic cells (84.6/150 tubules). The results of a study of reciprocal crosses (KE X KP and KP X C57), F2 hybrids, and backcrosses to the KE and KP strains indicated that the increase in the number of degenerate cells is determined by a small number of autosomal genes. KP males were also characterised by an increased amount of interstitial tissue, particularly Leydig cells, which do not produce hormones. The F1 hybrids showed heterosis in respect of the androgen-producing type-B and type-C cells.