Ancel-Bouin Theory
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
The Ancel-Bouin Theory proposes that the interstitial cells of the testes are endocrine cells responsible for internal secretion, while the germinal tissue does not directly influence the sexual instinct or secondary sexual characteristics.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
ANCEL-BOUIN THEORY (Ancel, Bouin) concerning the separate significance of the parts of the testicular apparatus for external and internal secretion. According to Ancel and Bouin, the so-called Leydig interstitial cells of the testes are endocrine cells. After ligating the excretory vessels (vasa deferentia) in animals, Ancel and Bouen observed degeneration of the entire germinal part of the testes, and, conversely, powerful proliferation of the interstitial cells, during which processes no changes occurred in the character of the secondary sexual signs or in the sexual drive of the animals, which gave the authors the right to express the idea that the germinal part of the testicular glands has no direct relation to the sexual instinct and the development of secondary sexual signs.
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Cite this page
“Ancel-Bouin Theory.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/ancel-bouin-theory/