Familial male pseudohermaphroditism and testicular descent in the racoon dog (Nyctereutes).

Abstract

Sexual differentiation was investigated in familial male pseudohermaphroditism in Nyctereutes procyonoides (Canidae). In intersex males, development of external genital organs and prostate glandular tissue was severely disturbed; Wolffian (mesonephric) duct derivatives developed prepubertally but were absent in some adults. Müllerian (paramesonephric) duct regression was complete. Testicular descent was undisturbed. Male/female sex differences in plasma testosterone, 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone, and luteinizing hormone concentrations were present. Intersex plasma hormone concentrations were within the normal male range. The concentration of androgen receptors in pubic skin was similar in male, female, and intersex animals and no significant differences in affinity for the ligand were detected. It was concluded that in intersex animals androgen-dependent virilisation was deficient despite the presence of androgens and androgen receptors and that this condition had not affected gubernaculum development and testicular descent.