Mathematical modelling of gubernaculum during inguino-scrotal migration shows limb bud characteristics

Abstract

Purpose: The gubernaculum is postulated to grow like an embryonic limb bud during inguinoscrotal descent in rodents. Recently, modelling of limb bud growth suggests the undifferentiated, distal "progress zone" provides molecular morphogenic signals, rather than cell division, as previously thought. We aimed to develop a mathematical gubernacular growth model, hypothesising that it would mimic limb buds through evolutionary conservation. Methods: Histology was done on Sprague-Dawley rats (day 2, 8; n = 7/group) to determine gubernacular length, width, cell density in distal growth centre, middle and proximal cremaster muscle. Analysis of measurements enabled gubernacular growth modelling unde..