Journal of Endocrinology · 1964 · 84 citations · 0 references
Life SciencesAnimal SciencesPhysiologyOrganogenesisReproductive BiologyReproductive PhysiologyMammalian DevelopmentOvarian FunctionOvarian PhysiologySwine ReproductionTesticular FunctionTesticular PhysiologyAcute UndernutritionChronic UndernutritionSwine Reproductive EndocrinologyTesticular Maturation
SUMMARY (1) During prolonged undernutrition in pigs from 2 to 3 weeks of age: ( a ) the tubules of the testes developed but the interstitial cells regressed and became unrecognizable; ( b ) the glans penis became large and oedematous; ( c ) the primordial follicles in the ovaries developed and some became large and cystic but ovulation did not follow; ( d ) the uterus and vulva enlarged. (2) During rapid rehabilitation: ( a ) The vulva and testicles became much enlarged relative to the rest of the body; ( b ) the glans penis developed but the oedema disappeared and was replaced by collagen and cellular material; ( c ) the female animals did not ovulate until they were approaching the body weight at which ovulation normally occurs; ( d ) the seminiferous tubules of the testes showed active spermatogenesis when the animals were still relatively small but the interstitial cells did not reappear until later.