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LUTEAR CELLS AND HEN-FEATHERING
1Peking Union Medical College, and the Department of Zoology, Columbia University, New York.
The Journal of General Physiology
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Male Sebright testes produce a substance suppressing cock plumage. This is likely due to luteal cells, influenced by genetic factors, causing hen-feathering in fowls.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The Sebright male exhibits suppressed secondary sexual plumage, indicating hormonal or genetic influences.
- Previous genetic studies identified Mendelian factors responsible for hen-feathering in Sebright chickens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the substance produced in Sebright male testes that suppresses cock-feathering.
- To determine the cellular basis and genetic control of this plumage suppression.
Main Methods:
- Experimental analysis of Sebright male testes.
- Histological examination for cellular structures.
- Correlation of genetic factors with observed plumage characteristics.
Main Results:
- Experimental evidence confirmed a substance in Sebright male testes suppresses cock plumage development.
- Luteal cells, similar to those in female ovaries, were detected in Sebright male testes.
- These luteal cells are strongly implicated in suppressing cock-feathering in Sebright males and hen-feathering in all fowls.
Conclusions:
- The presence of specific genetic factors in Sebright chickens leads to the development of luteal cells within the testes.
- These testicular luteal cells are responsible for the suppression of male secondary sexual plumage, resulting in hen-feathering.
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