The Role of Androgens in Differentiation of the Mammary Gland In Male Mouse Fetuses

Abstract

Summary

In male fetuses of the mouse, mammary gland tissue is stimulated and frequently also the development of teats is observed under the influence of the androgen antagonist cyproterone acetate (1,2α-methylene-6-chloro-δ⁴,⁶-pregnadiene-17α-ol-3,20-dione-17α-acetate). The continuity of the glandular process, normally lost in male fetuses because of a destruction of the epidermal sector, is maintained by cyproterone acetate. Inhibition of the endogenous androgens thus results in a female organogenesis of the mammary glands.