Implantation of Juvenile Testicular Tissue into the Hypertrophied Right Gonad of Ovariotomized Fowl. ∗

In our early ovariotomy experiments 1 sex-inversion was incomplete owing to the fact that we failed to find spermatogenesis in the hypertrophied testis-like right gonad, though the individuals were otherwise equipped to function as males. In a subsequent series of experiments 2 in which the operations were performed at an earlier age, the majority under 4 weeks, some cases of spermatogenesis have been found. In these cases the spermatic tubules are almost invariably isolated and confined to very limited areas of the gonad so that such poulardes are probably rarely, if ever, capable of functioning as males. In order to determine whether the poularde could function as such special experiments were devised.

Sixteen poulardes showing masculine characteristics, particularly head furnishings, were selected. These had been operated at a relatively late age, hence were not likely to reveal spermatogenesis. Laparotomies were performed and into the right testis-like gonad of each juvenile testicular tissue was placed Two short incisions were made on the exposed surface of the gonad approximately 8 mm. apart. By means of a curved probe a tunnel was made between these and the tissue introduced. This technique was essential since it relieved the pressure which, with a single incision and tunnel, invariably expelled the tissue introduced. The birds were kept under observation from 10 to 14 months when they were killed and examined.