THEORIE DER INITIAL- UND DAUERINDUKTIONSWIRKUNG DER GONADEN

Abstract

The author''s theory of "initial and permanent induction "assumes that the first anlage of the gonads stimulates the first anlage of the Wolffian and Mullerian ducts, probably even at a time before the anatomical structure can be recognized (initial induction). Construction of the male or female duct system follows as a result of permanent induction by the further developing gonads. If permanent induction is lacking, as after experimental castration in early fetal life or as in Turner''s syndrome, whether the individual is genetically male or genetically female, the ducts develop in the female direction from the stimulus of the initial induction. Yet if initial induction is also lacking, as in true agonadism, where there is no gonadal anlage, the Wolffian and Mullerian ducts persist as co-existing, underdeveloped structures. This theory is supported by experimental and clinical evidence including the author''s personal observation of two genetically male siblings with true agonadism[long dash]the first cases of this kind in the international literature.