An angiographic study of the testicular vasculature in the postnatal rat.

Abstract

The postnatal development of the rat testicular vasculature was studied, using microangiography and the Indian ink injection technique. 1. The gross vascular architecture of the rat testis was seen to remain very similar throughout the postnatal development of the organ. 2. In addition to the large anastomosis between spermatic and vasal artery, another small anastomotic connection between the intratesticular and epididymal vasculature was observed to be present in the ligamentum testis. 3. The intratesticular microvascular architecture of the newborn rat proved immature and also unorganized in its relation to the interstitial cells and seminiferous tubules. During the first 15 postnatal days little organization occurred, in spite of vascular maturation, but between 20 and 35 days organization into two different capillary networks was seen. One of them was confined to the interstitial tissue between the seminiferous tubules, the other connecting these networks. The latter capillaries were in close contact with the wall of the seminiferous tubules. The adult vascular pattern was attained at the age of 35 days. Maturation of the sub-albugineal capillary network occurred at the same time. 4. The significance of the microvascular organization is discussed in relation to the endocrine and spermatogenic functions of the developing and adult rat testis.