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AN INTERSEX GOAT WITH A BILATERALLY ASYMMETRICAL REPRODUCTIVE TRACT

Summary.: Results are presented of a detailed anatomical, histological, steroid and cytogenetic study of a genetically female intersex goat with testes but with no ovarian tissue, and with a bilaterally asymmetrical reproductive tract anterior to the ampullae of the vas deferens. The gonads consisted of a well-developed testis on the right side and a smaller intra-abdominal gonad on the left. On the right side there was a well-developed epididymis and vas deferens and absence of development of the Müllerian duct. On the left side there was a well-developed and fluid-filled uterine horn, a vas deferens, but no epididymis. Both gonads showed the histological appearance of testes, although there was complete absence of spermatogenesis and the left gonad was necrotic.

Chromosome studies showed this animal to be a genetic female with 60 acrocentric chromosomes and no evidence for the presence of a Y chromosome (60, XX). Steroid concentrations in the right gonad were comparable to those in the testis of a normal male; in the left gonad, however, both testosterone and androstenedione were undetectable.

These results are discussed in relation to evidence that the testis is able to exert a local action on its adjacent genital ducts as well as a systemic action on the external genitalia.