Structure and Function of Rat Testis Through Pubescence¹

Abstract

The histology, histochemistry, testosterone content and secretion of the rat testis were studied from 20 to 90 days of age. Histologic maturation of Leydig cells preceded the phase of rapidly increasing testosterone secretion. The disappearance of Leydig cell perinuclear basophilia was correlated with increasing Leydig cell function. The testosterone content per Leydig cell increased linearly from 20 to 90 days although total testis content of testosterone decreased due to decreasing Leydig cell number. (Endocrinology86: 1298, 1970)