Histological examination of gonads from teleosts, cultivated in vitro on an agar medium containing glucose and chick embryo extract shows the continuation of the germinal activity for at least 21 days. The influence of different factors: stage of maturation at the time of explantation, quantity of nutrient available, and transfer on fresh media are checked. The best results are obtained for ovaries containing only young oocytes, i.e. before any vitellogenesis or when it has just started, and for testes in which spermatogenesis is well advanced, i.e. when there are numerous spermatozoa. Results do not seem to be improved by frequent transfers.

First attempts of association with pituitary gland or gonads of the opposite sex are reported.

Copyright © 1972 by Company of Biologists
1972
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