Quantitative Features of Spermatogenesis in the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

Abstract

The Chalkley technique represents a method through which the relative abundance of testicular components can be readily determined. This quantitative approach lessens the subjectivity associated with the assignment of spermatogenic stages by mere observation of a slide. The method was used to define more precisely the spermatogenic stages employed in earlier work on Mallard testes. The changing organizational status of Mallard seminiferous epithelium is shown in conjunction with the major phases of the annual cycle. With adequate information, it would be possible to ignore the spermatogenic stage approach, and represent the testis cycle as a continuum wherein the relative abundance of each cell-type is considered. Leydig cells appeared to be most abundant during early phases of the gonadal cycle.