[Chick embryo ovarian differentiation after experimental mesonephros agenesis (author's transl)]

Agenesis of the mesonephros was obtained by preventing its early induction by the Wolffian duct. In the older embryos (14 to 19 days) studied, the ovaries differentiated in the absence of the underlying mesonephros, but were reduced in size. Their different cell populations (somatic and germinal) were however present and showed typical cytological features. Nevertheless, both components of the ovary, the medulla and the cortex, demonstrated lack of harmonious development. The medulla contained much larger lacunae; the cortex was shrunken with less secondary cords. At these stages, the gonocytes are not yet in premeiosis. These results are discussed in relation to the role of the mesonephros in gonadogenesis and in initiation of meiosis.