Abstract
In many oviparous reptiles, incubation temperature determines hatchling sex. Manipulation of the embryonic hormonal environment can result in sex reversal. We measured circulating estradiol 17-β (E2) and testosterone (T) levels in temperature-determined and sex-reversed snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina). Eight-month-old turtles have sex steroid profiles that are sex specific and are consistent with gonadal sex. Males had higher levels of T than females, both before and after treatment with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). In males, T levels increased approximately 11-fold after FSH challenge, whereas in females, T levels remained low. In contrast, levels of E2 after FSH challenge were higher in females than in males, but showed no difference before treatment. Sex-reversed individuals appear to have normal sex steroid profiles of T and E2, both at basal levels and in response to gonadotropin challenge. Our study indicates that the steroidogenic capability of these juvenile turtles was consistent with gonadal morphology and suggests that these sex-reversed individuals have normal gonadal function. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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