Abstract
SUMMARY Treatment of pregnant rats with an anti-androgen (1,2α-methylene-6-chloro-Δ4,6-pregnadiene-17α-ol-3,20-dione-17α-acetate, 'cyproterone acetate') from the 13th day of pregnancy resulted in female organogenesis of the mammary glands, including the formation of nipples in the male foetuses and feminization of other male sexual characters. The continued development of the nipple primordium was also seen in all the subsequent foetal and postnatal stages even after termination of the treatment. A more marked development of the foetal mammary tissue as compared with that of male controls was noted in the proximal areas of the mammary cord process between the 19th and the 21st day in male foetuses whose mothers had received the anti-androgen. In male foetuses of treated mothers, a further proliferation of the glandular tissue was also found after birth. The role of androgens in the development of the mammary glands is discussed. It seems likely from our findings that the androgens of a male foetus inhibit the development of the mammary glands, emphasizing that for mammary development before puberty female gonadal hormones are not necessary.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
