Gonadal cell proliferation dimorphism

Dimorphism between testis and ovary in germ cells proliferative behavior, shows remarkable differences in foetal and neonatal period 14.5 days post conception (dpc)--7 days post partum (dpp)]. Immunostaining of the foetal testis, with the PCNA and Ki-67 antibodies estimation of Labeling Index (LI)], reveals increasing germ cells population until birth. Afterwards, a sharp decline in the first 3 days of postnatal life and a transient increase, between 3 and 5 dpp, is observed. Then, the mitotic activity of germ cells ceases. In the foetal ovary, germ cells proliferation reaches a peak value before birth, decreasing thereafter Somatic (Sertoli or follicular) cells behave similarly in both sexes. Increased mitotic activity is observed throughout the examined period. Thus, the gonadal dimorphism in proliferative behavior, concerns only germ cell lineage and is established during the foetal and neonatal period.