Morphology of the epididymis of the cock (Gallus domesticus) and its effect upon the steroid sex hormone synthesis. II. Steroid sex hormone synthesis in the tubuli epididymidis and the transformation of the ductuli aberrantes into hormone producing noduli epididymidis in the capsule of the adrenal gland of the capon

Abstract

Distinct histochemical and ultrastructural signs of a steroid hormone synthesis are found in the sexually mature cock, particularly in the ductuli efferentes proximales of the main part of the epididymis and in the blind ends of the ductuli aberrantes of the appendix epididymidis. These signs are more distinct in the appendix epididymidis of the capon since the blind ends of the ductuli aberrantes transform into steroid sex hormone producing noduli epididymidis after they sprout out intensively and branch inside or beneath the adrenal capsule. The signs of virility were lost immediately after castration. They become more distinct again due to the hormonal activity of the noduli. Due to the morphologic agreement the noduli epididymidis of the capon are homologous to the noduli epoophori of the hen.