[Problems in the early differentiation of mammalian gonads (embryonic histogenesis and mechanisms of regulation)].

The results obtained for the last decades on the problem of early differentiation of mammalian gonads are elucidated. The data on the role of different tissue sources in origin of somatic elements in sex gonads are critically estimated. New data on participation of meiosis-regulating substances (that are produced by the mesonephros and its derivatives) in processes initiating and inhibiting meiosis are presented. The matters on the character of interrelations between the histostructural organization of embryonic gonads and their steroidsynthetic activity are considered. The modern notions on histogenesis of hormonally active stromal elements of the gonads are reported. The role of the data discussed for further investigation of pathogenesis of development of sex anomalies, of disorders in human reproductive function is regarded, as well as that for revealing histogenesis of gonadal tumours.