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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Germ Cell Transplantation and Testis Tissue Xenografting in Mice
Published on: February 6, 2012
Evaluation of in vivo conception after testicular stem cell transplantation in a mouse model shows altered
Ellen Goossens1, Veerle Frederickx, Gert de Block
1Research Laboratory for Reproduction and Genetics (EMGE), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dutch-speaking Brussels Free University, Brussels, Belgium. ellen.goossens@az.vub.ac.be
Background:
Apart from research applications, testicular stem cell transplantation (TSCT) may one day also have valuable clinical applications. Therefore, it is important to investigate whether this technique is a safe method to have progeny. This controlled study aims at evaluating the fetuses and the live born offspring obtained after TSCT in male mice.
Methods:
Male mice were mated with wild-type (WT) females after TSCT to produce offspring. First, fetuses were evaluated on the 17th gestational day. The length, weight and morphological age were compared to those of control mouse fetuses. The live born offspring were then investigated for their reproductive potential over three generations.
Results:
The litter sizes after TSCT were decreased compared to controls. Fetuses showed developmental retardation of a quarter of a day, but no major external abnormalities were observed. The live born pups were able to produce normal litter sizes, at least until the third generation.
Conclusions:
Transplanted animals are able to reproduce naturally. Although litter sizes are lower and development is retarded, no major morphological or procreative abnormalities were observed.
