Testicular Somatic Cells Research Articles

Comparative Marker Analysis after Isolation and Culture of Testicular Cells from the Immature Marmoset

The marmoset monkey is a valuable model in reproductive medicine. While previous studies have evaluated germ cell dynamics in the postnatal marmoset, the features of testicular somatic cells remain largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish marmoset-specific markers for Sertoli and peritubular cells (PTCs) and to compare protocols for the enrichment and culture of testicular cell types. Immunohistochemistry of Sertoli and PTC-specific markers – anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), vimentin (VIM), α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) – was performed and corresponding RNA expression profiles were established by quantitative PCR analysis (SOX9,AMH, FSHR,VIM, and SMA). For these analyses, testicular tissue from newborn (n = 4), 8-week-old (n = 4) and adult (n = 3) marmoset monkeys was used. Protocols for the enrichment and culture of testicular cell fractions from the 8-week-old marmoset monkeys (n = 3) were evaluated and cells were analyzed using germ cell- and somatic cell-specific markers. The expression of AMH, VIM and SMA reflects the proportion and differentiation status of Sertoli and PTCs at the RNA and the protein levels. While applied protocols did not support the propagation of germ cells in vitro, our analyses revealed that PTCs maintain their proliferative potential and constitute the dominant cell type after short- and long-term culture. Expression of functionally meaningful testicular somatic markers is similar in the human and the marmoset monkey, indicating that this primate can indeed be used as model for human testicular development. The PTC culture system established in this study will facilitate the identification of factors influencing male sex differentiation and spermatogenesis.

Toll-Like Receptor 3-Initiated Antiviral Responses in Mouse Male Germ Cells In Vitro1

The testis is an immunoprivileged site where local cell-initiated innate immunity plays a crucial role in antimicrobial responses. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) mediate innate immune responses in testicular somatic cells. Although several TLRs are expressed in some stages of male germ cells, the potential role of TLRs in triggering antimicrobial responses in the germ cells has yet to be exclusively studied. The current study demonstrates that TLR3 is constitutively expressed in spermatogonia and spermatocytes and can be activated by a synthetic double-strained RNA analog, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid. TLR3 activation in these male germ cells up-regulates the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin IL1B, IL6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha, through activation of nuclear factor kappa B; it also induces production of type 1 interferons (IFNA and IFNB) through the activation of IFN regulatory factor 3. In addition, TLR3 activation increases the production of two major antiviral proteins, namely, double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase and MX1 protein, by germ cells. Data in this article describe an antiviral response of male germ cells through the activation of TLR3 in vitro.

Survival of ovarian somatic cells during sex change in the protogynous wrasse, Halichoeres trimaculatus

The three-spot wrasse (Halichoeres trimaculatus), which inhabits the coral reefs of Okinawa, changes sex from female to male. Sex change in this species is controlled by a social system. Oocytes disappear completely from the ovary, and male germ cells and somatic cells comprising testicular tissue arise a new during the sex change process. However, little is known of the fate and origin of the gonadal tissue-forming cells during sex change. In particular, the fate of ovarian somatic cells has not been determined, although the ovarian tissue regresses histologically. To approach this question, we analyzed apoptosis and cell proliferation in the sex-changing gonads. Unexpectedly, we found that few apoptotic somatic cells were present during sex change, suggesting that ovarian somatic cells might survive during the regression of the ovarian tissue. On the other hand, cell proliferation was detected in many granulosa cells surrounding the degenerating oocytes, a few epithelial cells covering ovigerous lamella and a few somatic cells associated with gonial germ cells at an early stage of sex change. Then, we found that proliferative ovarian somatic cells remained in the gonads late in the sex change process. Based on these results, we concluded that some functional somatic cells of the ovary are reused as testicular somatic cells during the gonadal sex change in the three-spot wrasse.

Evidence for Almost Complete Sex-reversal in Bovine Freemartin Gonads: Formation of Seminiferous Tubule-like Structures and Transdifferentiation into Typical Testicular Cell Types

During mammalian sex determination of XY fetuses, SRY induces SOX9 in Sertoli cells, resulting in formation of testes with seminiferous tubules, interstitial Leydig cells and peritubular myoid cells. Meanwhile XX fetuses without SRY develop ovaries. In cattle, most XX heifers born with a male twin, so-called freemartins, develop nonfunctioning ovaries and genitalia with an intersex phenotype. Interestingly, freemartins sometimes develop highly masculinized gonads with seminiferous tubule-like structures despite the absence of SRY. However, in these cases, the degree of masculinization in each gonadal somatic cell type is unclear. Here, we report a rare case of a freemartin Japanese black calf with almost complete XX sexreversal. Gross anatomical analysis of this calf revealed the presence of a pair of small testis-like gonads with rudimentary epididymides, in addition to highly masculinized genitalia including a pampiniform plexus, scrotum and vesicular gland. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses of these masculinized gonads revealed well-defined seminiferous tubule-like structures throughout the whole gonadal parenchyma. In epithelia of these tubules, SOX9-positive supporting cells (i.e., Sertoli cells) were found to be arranged regularly along the bases of tubules, and they were also positive for GDNF, one of the major factors for spermatogenesis. 3β-HSD-positive cells (i.e., Leydig cells) and SMA-positive peritubular myoid cells were also identified around tubules. Therefore, for the first time, we found the transdifferentiation of ovarian somatic cells into all testicular somatic cell types in the XX freemartin gonads. These data strongly support the idea of a high sexual plasticity in the ovarian somatic cells of mammalian gonads.

Testicular Somatic Cells, not Gonocytes, Are the Major Source of Functional Activin A during Testis Morphogenesis

Proper development of the seminiferous tubules (or testis cords in embryos) is critical for male fertility. Sertoli cells, somatic components of the seminiferous tubules, serve as nurse cells to the male germline, and thus their numbers decide the quantity of sperm output in adulthood. We previously identified activin A, the protein product of the activin βA (Inhba) gene, as a key regulator of murine Sertoli cell proliferation and testis cord expansion during embryogenesis. Although our genetic studies implicated fetal Leydig cells as the primary producers of testicular activin A, gonocytes are another potential source. To investigate the relative contribution of gonocyte-derived activin A to testis morphogenesis, we compared testis development in the Inhba global knockout mouse, which lacks activin A production in all cells (including the gonocytes), and a steroidogenic factor 1 (Sf1)-specific conditional knockout model in which activin A expression in testicular somatic cells is disrupted but gonocyte expression of activin A remains intact. Surprisingly, testis development was comparable in these two models of activin A insufficiency, with similar reductions in Sertoli cell proliferation and minor differences in testis histology. Thus, our findings suggest activin A from male gonocytes is insufficient to promote Sertoli cell proliferation and testis cord expansion in the absence of somatic cell-derived activin A. Evaluation of adult male mice with fetal disruption of activin A revealed reduced testis size, lowered sperm production, altered testicular histology, and elevated plasma FSH levels, defects reminiscent of human cases of androgen-sufficient idiopathic oligozoospermia.

Isolation and cytogenetic characterization of zebrafish meiotic prophase I mutants

We describe here the isolation and cytogenetic characterization of three meiotic prophase I mutants, denoted ietsugu (its), iesada (isa), and iemochi (imo), isolated by a novel N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea mutagenesis screen for adult zebrafish gonadogenesis. Histological examination and flow cytometry analysis of testes from these mutants showed that each contained neither spermatids nor sperm. Staining for Sycp3 and cleaved Caspase-3 and TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridinetriphosphate nick end-labeling) assay further revealed that its had defects at the onset of meiosis, and that isa and imo spermatocytes failed to progress past the zygotene stage with apoptosis occurring in the testicular somatic cells. Staining for phosphorylated histone H2AX showed that foci formation in leptotene spermatocytes was disrupted in isa and imo. Furthermore, in vitro differentiation experiments revealed the possibility that the defects and sterility associated with mutations were germ line autonomous. Our results thus indicate that each responsible gene is necessary for meiotic progression during spermatogenesis and for male fertility.

Germ-cell hyaluronidases: their roles in sperm function

Hyaluronidases (hyases) are a family of enzymes that catalyse the breakdown of hyaluronic acid (HA), which is abundant in the extracellular matrix. Two unlinked gene clusters encode these six proteins: three each in the somatic (or ubiquitous) acid-active subgroup and the neutral-active germ-cell subgroup. This review analyses the data on the expression and role of hyases in gamete biology and fertilization, using electronic databases until October 2010. Evidence indicates that hyases are membrane proteins with multifunctional essential, enzymatic and non-enzymatic, roles (cumulus penetration, zona binding and HA receptor) in fertilization. While sperm adhesion molecule-1 (SPAM1), which has neutral and acidic (bimodal) activity, is the widely conserved mammalian sperm hyase, it co-exists with an acidic hyase in murine and human spermatozoa. Thus, sperm function depends on the concerted activity of both germ cell and 'somatic' hyases. Some hyases are in low abundance in the ovary, somatic testicular cells, the male accessory organs and the male and female genital tracts where they are secreted and acquired by spermatozoa. The latter opens up the possibility of treating hyase-deficient spermatozoa via assisted reproductive technology. The findings challenge the existing classification of hyases, and support the notion that hyase activities are polygenic traits controlled by as many as five hyase genes in mice. Multiple sperm hyases may function cooperatively in a quantitative system and/or serve redundant roles. Unsolved problems include functional redundancy, which can be addressed by double gene-knockouts, and identifying the murine hyase(s) involved in zona binding or whether this role shows species specificity.

Establishment and Characterization of a Testicular Cell Line from the Half-Smooth Tongue Sole, Cynoglossus semilaevis

Spermatogenesis within the adult testis is an excellent system for studying stem cell renewal and differentiation, which is under the control of testicular somatic cells. In order to understanding spermatogenesis in the half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) as a marine fish model of aquaculture importance, we established a cell line called CSGC from a juvenile gonad of this organism. CSGC is composed of fibroblast-like cells, retains a diploid karyotype of 42 chromosomes, lacks the heterogametic W chromosome, lacks a female specific marker and expresses the dmrt, a marker for testicular somatic cells. Therefore, CSGC appears to consist of testicular somatic cell cells. We show that this cell line is effective for infection by the turbot reddish body iridovirus and flounder lymphocystis disease virus as evidenced by the appearance of cytopathic effect and virus propagation in the virus-infected cells, and most convincingly, the observation of viral particles by electon microscopy, demonstrateing that CSGC is suitable to study interactions between virus and host cells. As a first fish testicular somatic cell line of the ZZ-ZW genetic sex determination system, CSGC will be a useful tool to study sex-related events and interactions between somatic cells and germ cells during spermatogenesis.

Regulation of aromatase expression by 1α,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 in rat testicular cells

It is well known that the vitamin D endocrine system is involved in physiological and biochemical events in numerous tissues, especially gut, bone and kidney but also testis. Therefore, in this study the effect and mechanisms of action of 1α,25(OH)(2) vitamin D(3) (1,25D) on aromatase gene expression in immature rat Sertoli cells were evaluated. Vitamin D receptor transcripts were present in immature Sertoli cells as well as in adult testicular germ cells and somatic cells. The treatment of immature Sertoli cells with 100 nM 1,25D increased the amount of aromatase transcript, mainly in 30-day-old rats. The protein kinase A (PKA) blocker, H89, partially inhibited the 1,25D effect. The stimulation of aromatase gene expression in 30-day-old Sertoli cells by the agonist 1α,25(OH)(2) lumisterol(3), and the suppression of the 1,25D effect by the antagonists 1β,25(OH)(2) vitamin D(3) and (23S)-25-dehydro-1α (OH)-vitamin D(3)-26,23-lactone suggested, besides a genomic effect of 1,25D, the existence of non-genomic activation of the membrane-bound vitamin D receptor involving the PKA pathway.

Rapid Screening of Cryopreservation Protocols for Murine Prepubertal Testicular Tissue by Histology and PCNA Immunostaining

Numerous parameters have to be tested to identify optimal conditions for prepubertal testicular tissue banking. Our study evaluated 19 different cryopreservation conditions for immature testicular tissue using a rapid screening method. Immature mice testes were cryopreserved using either 1,2-propanediol (PROH) or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at a concentration of 0.75 or 1.5 M using a controlled slow-cooling rate protocol with (S+) or without seeding (S+). Equilibration was performed either at room temperature or at 4°C for 15 or 30 minutes. Seminiferous cord cryodamage was determined by scoring morphologic alterations. Cell proliferation ability was evaluated using a proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) antibody. Testes cryopreserved with optimal conditions were grafted into immunodeficient mice. The highest proportions of PCNA-positive nuclei and lowest morphologic alterations were observed with 1.5 M DMSO. Tissues were more altered with 0.75 M DMSO or PROH. Complete germ cell maturation was observed after allografting of testicular pieces previously frozen with 1.5 M DMSO, S+, 30 minutes. The 1.5 M DMSO, S+ or S+ protocol preserved prepubertal mice testicular tissue architecture and germ cell and Sertoli cell proliferation potential. Allografting of thawed testis fragments into immunodeficient mice confirmed that the 1.5 M DMSO, S+, 30 minutes protocol maintained testicular somatic and germ cell functions. Postthaw histologic evaluation and PCNA immunostaining are useful to rapidly test numerous freeze-thaw parameters. They may also be efficient tools to control human prepubertal frozen testis quality, within the context of a clinical application.

Techniques for Culturing Spermatogonial Stem Cells Continue to Improve

Techniques for Culturing Spermatogonial Stem Cells Continue to Improve

New testicular mechanisms involved in the prevention of fetal meiotic initiation in mice

In mammals, early fetal germ cells are unique in their ability to initiate the spermatogenesis or oogenesis programs dependent of their somatic environment. In mice, female germ cells enter into meiosis at 13.5 dpc whereas in the male, germ cells undergo mitotic arrest. Recent findings indicate that Cyp26b1, a RA-degrading enzyme, is a key factor preventing initiation of meiosis in the fetal testis. Here, we report evidence for additional testicular pathways involved in the prevention of fetal meiosis. Using a co-culture model in which an undifferentiated XX gonad is cultured with a fetal or neonatal testis, we demonstrated that the testis prevented the initiation of meiosis and induced male germ cell differentiation in the XX gonad. This testicular effect disappeared when male meiosis starts in the neonatal testis and was not directly due to Cyp26b1 expression. Moreover, neither RA nor ketoconazole, an inhibitor of Cyp26b1, completely prevented testicular inhibition of meiosis in co-cultured ovary. We found that secreted factor(s), with molecular weight greater than 10 kDa contained in conditioned media from cultured fetal testes, inhibited meiosis in the XX gonad. Lastly, although both Sertoli and interstitial cells inhibited meiosis in XX germ cells, only interstitial cells induced mitotic arrest in germ cell. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that male germ cell determination is supported by additional non-retinoid secreted factors inhibiting both meiosis and mitosis and produced by the testicular somatic cells during fetal and neonatal life.

Improved In Vitro Culture Conditions to Enhance the Survival, Mitotic Activity, and Transplantability of Rainbow Trout Type A Spermatogonia1

Spermatogenesis originates from a small population of spermatogonial stem cells, which have the ability to both self-renew and produce differentiated germ cells. We previously established a surrogate broodstock technique using xenotransplantation of spermatogonia in salmonids. This technique promised to be an efficient tool for producing target seeds that are valuable to markets or endangered species. We have been attempting to establish a technique to produce seeds by transplanting spermatogonia proliferated in culture dishes. However, our previous methods for culturing spermatogonia had several defects. First, residual testicular somatic cells infiltrated excessively proliferating cultures and eventually outcompeted spermatogonia. Second, the total number of spermatogonia gradually decreased during culture periods even though mitosis was confirmed. Third, the cultured spermatogonia were less able to be incorporated into the recipient gonads following transplantation as compared to the ability of intact spermatogonia. To overcome these defects, in the present study we improved upon spermatogonia culture conditions. The overgrowth of testicular somatic cells could be suppressed by adjusting fetal bovine serum concentration in the medium to 1%. The addition of soluble factors, such as bovine serum albumin, adenosine, and salmonid serum, to the medium would enhance spermatogonial survival, mitotic activity, and transplantability. Under newly developed conditions, we extended the culture periods. Furthermore, a transplantation assay showed that spermatogonia cultured in the modified medium for 42 days still possessed their transplantability. The present study represents valuable steps toward establishing a culture method enabling spermatogonia to expand in vitro for use in seed production with surrogate broodstock technology.

Postnatal somatic cell proliferation and seminiferous tubule maturation in pigs: A non-random event

Although seminiferous tubule maturation in horses begins in the central area of the testis, this process is thought to occur randomly throughout the testis in most mammals. Studies in our laboratory revealed that the establishment of spermatogenesis may not be a synchronous event in the testicular parenchyma of pigs. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the pattern of seminiferous cord/tubule maturation and the morphological and functional characteristics of testicular somatic cells during postnatal development in three regions of the pig testis: a) near the tunica albuginea (TA); b) in the transitional area between the seminiferous tubules and mediastinum (TR); and c) in the intermediate area (ID) between the TA and TR. Based on the diameter of seminiferous cords/tubules, nucleus size of Sertoli cells and fluid secretion, mainly at 90 and 120 d of age, seminiferous tubule maturation was more advanced in the ID and TR. The mitotic activity of Sertoli cells was higher (P < 0.05) in the TR than the ID and TA at 7 and 120 d. Except for the mitotic index of the Leydig cells, which was lower (P < 0.05) in the ID at 7, 30, and 180 d than in the TA and TR, other Leydig cell ebd points, e.g., individual cell size, nuclear volume, and cytoplasmic volume, were consistently higher (P < 0.05) in the ID, suggesting that steroidogenesis was more active in this region during the period investigated. Overall, we inferred that Leydig cells in the ID may play a pivotal role in postnatal testis development in pigs and this type of cell is likely related to asynchronous testicular parenchyma development, with the transitional area providing the primary zone for growth of seminiferous tubules.

Expression analysis of the Adam21 gene in mouse testis

A number of members belonging to a disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM) family of cell surface proteins, including ADAM21, are expressed specifically or predominantly in the mammalian testis. Here, we investigated the transcriptional characteristics of the Adam21 gene. We found that Adam21 produces two types of transcripts with different developmental stages and cellular localizations. One type comprises germ cell-specific transcripts with both exons 1 and 2, while the other type corresponds to exon 2 and is expressed in testicular somatic cells. Further, regulatory and promoter regions responsible for the expression of Adam21 in testicular somatic cells were investigated using an in silico sequence analysis and an in vitro transient transfection assay. We identified an essential promoter and mapped regulatory regions that repress the transcription of Adam21. Finally, we confirmed the expression of Adam21 at the protein level in testicular somatic cells in which the promoter of the gene was found to be active. This is the first study to provide information regarding transcriptional regulation of a testicular ADAM family member, which will aid in elucidation of the transcriptional mechanisms of other testicular Adam genes.

Expression profiling of rainbow trout testis development identifies evolutionary conserved genes involved in spermatogenesis.

BackgroundSpermatogenesis is a late developmental process that involves a coordinated expression program in germ cells and a permanent communication between the testicular somatic cells and the germ-line. Current knowledge regarding molecular factors driving male germ cell proliferation and differentiation in vertebrates is still limited and mainly based on existing data from rodents and human. Fish with a marked reproductive cycle and a germ cell development in synchronous cysts have proven to be choice models to study precise stages of the spermatogenetic development and the germ cell-somatic cell communication network. In this study we used 9K cDNA microarrays to investigate the expression profiles underlying testis maturation during the male reproductive cycle of the trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss.ResultsUsing total testis samples at various developmental stages and isolated spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids, 3379 differentially expressed trout cDNAs were identified and their gene activation or repression patterns throughout the reproductive cycle were reported. We also performed a tissue-profiling analysis and highlighted many genes for which expression signals were restricted to the testes or gonads from both sexes. The search for orthologous genes in genome-sequenced fish species and the use of their mammalian orthologs allowed us to provide accurate annotations for trout cDNAs. The analysis of the GeneOntology terms therefore validated and broadened our interpretation of expression clusters by highlighting enriched functions that are consistent with known sequential events during male gametogenesis. Furthermore, we compared expression profiles of trout and mouse orthologs and identified a complement of genes for which expression during spermatogenesis was maintained throughout evolution.ConclusionA comprehensive study of gene expression and associated functions during testis maturation and germ cell differentiation in the rainbow trout is presented. The study identifies new pathways involved during spermatogonia self-renewal or rapid proliferation, meiosis and gamete differentiation, in fish and potentially in all vertebrates. It also provides the necessary basis to further investigate the hormonal and molecular networks that trigger puberty and annual testicular recrudescence in seasonally breeding species.

Introduction of a Foreign Gene into Zebrafish and Medaka Cells Using Adenoviral Vectors

Viral vectors represent a tractable system that can efficiently introduce an exogenous gene into different target cells and are thus a potentially powerful genetic manipulation tool. In our current study, we investigated the infection efficiency of mammalian virus vectors, adenoviruses (Ads), adeno-associated viruses, and lentiviruses to the Sertoli cell line and the newly established cell line from a single embryo in zebrafish. Among the viral vectors tested, Ads showed the highest infection efficiency of 10(7)-10(8) green fluorescent protein-transducing units (gtu)/mL in zebrafish cells. In addition, the adenoviral vector was also infected at 10(5) gtu/mL in the medaka testicular somatic cell line that was established from the testes of p53-deficient mutant. Further, we found that Ads could successfully infect cultured male zebrafish germ cells. Our results thus indicate that the adenoviral vector could be used as a chromosomally nonintegrating vector system in zebrafish.

New horizons for in vitro spermatogenesis? An update on novel three-dimensional culture systems as tools for meiotic and post-meiotic differentiation of testicular germ cells

Culture and differentiation of male germ cells has been performed for various purposes in the past. To date, none of the studies aimed at in vitro spermatogenesis has resulted in a sufficient number of mature gametes. Numerous studies have revealed worthy pieces of information, building up a body of information on conditions that are required to maintain and mature male germ cells in vitro. In this review, we report on previously published and unpublished experiments addressing murine germ cell differentiation in three-dimensional (3D) in vitro culture systems. In a systematic set of experiments, we examined the influence of two different matrices (soft agar and methylcellulose) as well as the need for gonadotrophin support. For the first time, we demonstrate that pre-meiotic male germ cells [revealed by the absence of meiotic marker expression (e.g. Boule)] obtained from immature mice pass through meiosis in vitro. After several weeks of culture, we obtained morphologically normal spermatozoa embedded in the matrix substance. Complete maturation relied on support from somatic testicular cells and the presence of gonadotrophins but appeared independent from the matrix in a 3D culture environment. Further research efforts are required to reveal the applicability of this culture technique for human germ cells and the functionality of the spermatozoa for generating offspring.

Structural Basis for the Antiproliferative Activity of the Tob-hCaf1 Complex

The Tob/BTG family is a group of antiproliferative proteins containing two highly homologous regions, Box A and Box B. These proteins all associate with CCR4-associated factor 1 (Caf1), which belongs to the ribonuclease D (RNase D) family of deadenylases and is a component of the CCR4-Not deadenylase complex. Here we determined the crystal structure of the complex of the N-terminal region of Tob and human Caf1 (hCaf1). Tob exhibited a novel fold, whereas hCaf1 most closely resembled the catalytic domain of yeast Pop2 and human poly(A)-specific ribonuclease. Interestingly, the association of hCaf1 was mediated by both Box A and Box B of Tob. Cell growth assays using both wild-type and mutant proteins revealed that deadenylase activity of Caf1 is not critical but complex formation is crucial to cell growth inhibition. Caf1 tethers Tob to the CCR4-Not deadenylase complex, and thereby Tob gathers several factors at its C-terminal region, such as poly(A)-binding proteins, to exert antiproliferative activity.

Evolution of somatic and germ cell populations after busulfan treatment in utero or neonatal cryptorchidism in the rat.

In order to elucidate the respective effects of depletion of germ cells and of increase in testicular temperature, rats of the same Wistar strain were rendered experimentally bicryptorchid or sterilized by a busulfan injection in utero and compared to control animals. In both models, germ cells were depleted but numeric evolution and functions of somatic cells differed. The aim of that work was to compare the numeric evolutions of testicular somatic and germ cells to their respective functions in each model before puberty and in adult rats of the same strain. Serum concentrations of FSH, LH and testosterone were compared at 20, 40 and 110 days of age. Histological analyses of Sertoli and germ cells in the seminiferous tubules and of Leydig cells in the intertubular tissue were performed before puberty and at adulthood. Testosterone serum concentrations were depleted in both models starting at 40 days of age and more in busulfan-treated rats. Both FSH and LH levels were increased from 20 days onwards in experimental rats. Additional cryptorchidism in busulfan-treated rats depressed the serum testosterone concentration. At 17 days of age, the cryptorchidism do not modify somatic or germ cell populations while busulfan treatment has induced a decrease of both these populations. Conversely, the cross sectional area of the somatic testicular cells was not affected whatever the treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)