Histology and histochemistry of the testis and ovary of the platyfish, Xiphophorus maculatus, from birth to sexual maturity

The gonads of 3-day- to 7-month-old male and female platyfish (Xiphophorus maculatus) were examined for the presence of delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) by histochemical means. In 3-day-old males a positive response for both enzyme...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cell and tissue research 1982-01, Vol.224 (1), p.81-87
Main Authors: Schreibman, M.P, Berkowitz, E.J, Hurk, R. van den
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases - metabolism
animal anatomy
animal morphology
animal reproduction
Animals
aquatic organisms
Female
Fishes - growth & development
Fishes - metabolism
Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase - metabolism
Granulosa Cells - enzymology
Leydig Cells - enzymology
Male
Ovary - enzymology
Ovary - growth & development
Sertoli Cells - enzymology
Sexual Maturation
Space life sciences
Testis - enzymology
Testis - growth & development
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Summary:The gonads of 3-day- to 7-month-old male and female platyfish (Xiphophorus maculatus) were examined for the presence of delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) by histochemical means. In 3-day-old males a positive response for both enzymes is localized in the Leydig cells. With subsequent testicular development, these cells increase in number and display greater activity at the periphery of the testis and around the efferent ducts. In 3-day-old females 3 beta-HSD and G6PD are localized in the stromal cells of the ovary. These cells increase in number and activity as the animals become sexually mature. Sertoli cells, efferent duct epithelium, and ovarian granulosa cells are negative at all stages of development examined. Our findings suggest that the gonads of neonatal fish possess the potential for steroidogenesis. The role played by sex-steroid hormones in the maturation of the brain-pituitary-gonad axis is discussed.
ISSN:0302-766X
1432-0878
DOI:10.1007/bf00217268