Age Related Changes in the Gross and Histoarchitecture of Testis in Japanese Quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Abstract

Age related changes in gross and histoarchitecture of the testis was recorded in different age groups of Nandanam Japanese quails viz., juvenile (day-old), immature (2 to 6 weeks) and mature (7 to 40 weeks) birds. The testis was a compound tubular gland retained within the abdominal cavity at the site of their development, yellowish-white in colour in immature birds and white in mature birds. The length and width of the testis increased from day-old to 22 weeks of age. There was no difference in the histoarchitecture of either of the testis in all the age groupsstudied. The testis was covered by a fibrous capsule mainly composed of collagen, elastic and reticular fibres. The testis was not lobulated due to the absence of septuli testis. Active parenchyma was madeup of seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissue. Canalisation of the seminiferous tubules was complete at 4 weeks of age. The tubules were lined by a double layer of polyhedral cells in immature birds and by a typical seminiferous epithelium in mature birds. The interstital tissue consisted of Leydig cells, blood vessels, nerves, lymphocytes, macrophages, plasma cell and formed elements of blood. Melanin pigments and mast cells were absent in the interstitium.