502 



V. D. LESPINASSE 



Effects of Change in Position 



The testicle is very sensitive to changes in position. As is well known, 

 the ectopic testicle rarely develops perfect spermatogenesis. Artificially 

 produced ectopic testicles quickly revert to the histologic picture of the 



Fig. 10. Dog's testicle replaced in abdomen for 34 days after severing the globus 

 major from the testicle. Note that the cellular elements of the spermatogenic tubules 

 are practically gone but still there are spermatozoa present in the tubules that have 

 not as yet been absorbed. 



congenital ectopic testicle. Normal testicles that are placed in the abdomen 

 or in a subcutaneous pocket in the perineum or thigh quickly lose all 

 spermatogenic function followed by an atrophy of the spermatogenic cells, 

 with an increase in the interstitial cell mass. 



Alterations in the blood supply, whether ligation of the veins, liga- 

 tion of the artery, or ligation of both, leaving the testicle in the scrotum, 

 many times produce a complete atrophy and degeneration, and at other 

 times they produce atrophy of the spermatogenic elements only and a 

 preservation of the interstitial cells. This amounts to practically an auto- 

 graft. 



Transplantation of Testicles 



In homo transplants, there is in the higher animals an immediate loss 

 of spermatogenic function with complete degeneration of the spermatozoa 

 forming elements. The interstitial cells of the transplant remain and in- 

 crease in number, retaining their staining properties the same as before 

 the operation. Just how long the interstitial cells live and function after 



