Meiotic prophase in the left embryonic testis of the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica L.).

Spontaneous, transitory feminization of the left embryonic testis occurs in the majority of male Japanese quails from day 11 of incubation until the 2nd day after hatching. The feminized gonad is composed of a testicular part and of an ovarian-like cortical region, which develops outside the tunica albuginea. The cortical region contains numerous germ cells some of which enter meiosis on day 11 (i.e. at the time characteristic of female germ cells) and reach pachytene on day 14. Cortical regions are best developed on day 16 (day of hatching), but regression, accompanied by degeneration of many germ cells, begins shortly afterwards. The mechanism of feminization of the left embryonic testis is discussed.