Purpose: Numerous researchers studied the morphology of testicular descent including the possible function of gubernaculum. However, a clear illustration of this process is still missing. The aim of this study was to illustrate testicular descent using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in a rat model.
Methods: The abdomen of rat fetuses between gestational day (E) 15 and E 22 and newborns at postnatal day (D) 0 and D 1.5 was opened by microsurgery. Standard preparation for SEM was carried out. The position of the testis and gubernaculum testis was documented.
Results: The gubernaculum was obvious in male rat embryos at E 17.5. In a first phase (E 16-E 21) the testis moved from cranio-lateral and dorsal to caudo-medial and ventral, while clear signs of an active role of the gubernaculum were missing. In a second phase (E 22-D 1.5) the processus vaginalis peritonei (PVP) developed, while the conus of the gubernaculum disappeared, after which, the testis moved out of the abdominal cavity and entered the PVP.
Conclusion: In our study, we could not specify the role of gubernaculum for testicular descent. However, our data showed that the testis lay intraperitoneal throughout the descensus testis.