Abstract
Summary
Myotis lucifugus, simultaneously exhibits enlarged accessory sex glands and atrophied testis during hibernation. Evidence is presented for presence of an unidentified androgenic substance in the interscapular brown fat obtained from the bat during the hibernation season. The active substance isolated from the nonsaponifiable matter of one gram of brown fat elicits a growth response (rat seminal vesicle assay) equivalent to that produced by 676 μg of testosterone. The presence of an androgenic factor in brown fat suggests a unique role for this tissue in the sexual cycle of the bat.
We wish to acknowledge the valuable assistance of Messrs. Charles R. Cook and Robert Kolek.
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