Cellular interrelationships in the human fetal ovary and testis.

Information on the cellular changes involved in human gonadal maturation has increased considerably in recent years with the introduction of special techniques for coordinating structural and functional analyses. An approach that appears to be particularly promising is the use of freeze-fracture techniques. Utilizing this method, we have demonstrated the formation of specialized intercellular junctions in the developing ovary and testis. Studies in several species have indicated similar findings which relate to the formation of the blood-testis barrier and the coordination of cellular activity involved in steroidogenesis. Further progress in understanding of maturational changes in the developing gonads will depend on continuing correlation of structural and functional changes in specific cell populations.