The hormonal induction of alkyl glycerol, wax and alkyl acetate synthesis in the preputial gland of the mouse

Abstract

The preputial gland of the mature male mouse produces wax, alkyl glycerols, alkyl acetates and triglycerides. Triglycerides and sterol esters are the principal components of the gland of the immature mouse. Analyses of the gland lipids from various animals showed that variations in the time of appearance and amounts of the different lipid classes could be correlated with the age and sex of the mice from which the preputial glands were obtained. Administration of testosterone propionate to female mice, immature male mice or to mature male mice castrated at 2–3 weeks of age caused marked synthesis and accumulation of lipids containing fatty alcohol moieties, i.e. alkyl glycerols, waxes and alkyl acetates in the preputial glands. Incorporation of label from [6- 14C]glucose into all lipid fractions of the glands increased after testosterone administration; however, the incorporation was markedly enhanced in the wax and alkyl glyceryl phosphatidyl ethanolamine fractions.