Reaggregates of cells from rat testis resemble developing gonads

Reaggregates prepared from newborn rat testis cells in Moscona-type rotation cultures were analyzed and compared with normal fetal (12-21 days) and newborn testes at the light and electron microscope level. After 25 h of culture, the aggregates resembled normal testicular tissue. The cells of the surface layer were spindle-shaped and connected by adherent junctions. The epithelial cords were composed exclusively of Sertoli cells and were surrounded by elongated cells resembling the developing myoid cells in newborn testes. The basal aspect of the cords was covered by a layer of flocculent material which, in places, was organized like an ordinary basement membrane. Individual spermatogonia with pseudopodes were observed in the interstitial tissue. Some Leydig cells were organized into small clusters like those typical in newborn testes. The present observations indicate that, histologically, the reaggregation of separated testicular cells resembles the differentiation of embryonic male gonads.