During pubertal development of the testes, germ cells pass initially through the complete succession of spermatogenic differentiation. Using the golden hamster as a model, this volume presents a comprehensive analysis of that establishing period of mammalian spermatogenesis. Detailed morphological and cell kinetic data of the pubertal seminiferous epithelium reveal a level of cellular organization and synchronization coming near to the adult situation. Characteristic, temporarily occurring perturbations of spermatogenic progression are related to specific delays of Sertoli or Leydig cell maturation, respectively. These results emphasize and specify the close structural and functional interdependence of germ and somatic cell development.

1 Introduction

1.1 Fetal and Prepubertal Development of the Testis
1.2 Adult Spermatogenesis
1.3 Pubertal Establishment of Spermatogenesis
2 Material and Methods
2.1 Animals
2.2 Histology
2.3 Immunohistochemistry
2.4 Enzyme Histochemistry
3 Results
3.1 Adult Seminiferous Epithelium
3.2 Developmental Steps of the Pubertal Seminiferous Epithelium
3.3 Developmental Delay of Spermiogenesis
3.4 11?-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase in Pubertal Leydig Cells
3.5 Formation of the Sertoli Cell Barrier
3.6 Degeneration of Germ Cells
3.7 Clonal Mode of Germ Cell Proliferation
3.8 Proliferative Activity of the Adult Seminiferous Epithelium
3.9 Proliferative Activity of the Pubertal Seminiferous Epithelium
4 Discussion
4.1 Considerations on the Species and on Methodical Procedures
4.2 Developmental Dynamics of the Seminiferous Epithelium
4.3 Germ Cell Development
4.4 Germ Cell Proliferation
4.5 Delayed Spermatid Maturation and 11?-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Activity in Leydig Cells
4.6 Degenerative Phenomena of the Pubertal Seminiferous Epithelium
4.7 Maturation of Sertoli Cells and Germ Cell Development
4.8 Conclusions
5 Summary
References.