Different fate of primordial germ cells and gonocytes following transplantation

We have previously demonstrated that both donor primordial germ cells (PGCs) and gonocytes are capable of establishing spermatogenesis in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules of an adult host following transplantation in rats. Here we show that the PGCs, either in crude suspensions or after purification, undergo spermatogenesis only in the intraluminal compartment of the host's seminiferous tubules, while 4-5 days postpartum gonocytes also interdigitate with the host's seminiferous epithelium. The donor seminiferous epithelium was always in synchrony with the cycles of the host's spermatogenesis. It seems that the pattern of spermatogenesis of donor germ cells following transplantation in terms of its spacial location and the connection with the host's seminiferous epithelium depends on their developmental stages at transfer.