Histological and Genetic Characterization of True Hermaphroditism in Korean Pigs

Abstract

True hermaphrodites are animals of equivocal sex in which both male and female gonads develop simultaneously in the same individual. The frequency of true hermaphroditism is relatively higher in pigs than in other domestic animals. Two Korean pigs were diagnosed with true hermaphroditism showing ovotestes, epididymides, a penis and uteri. The testicular tissues consisted of Sertoli cells that were devoid of spermatogenic cells and showed proliferation of interstitial cells. However, uteri looked normal and had well-developed endometrial glands. Samples showed the interpretation of 38, XX female karyotype and sex-determining region Y (SRY) gene expression was negative. These findings could be helpful to understand true porcine hermaphroditism for animal research as well as for the industry of Korean domestic animals.