Androgen Target Cells in the Bursa of Fabricius of the Chick Embryo: Autoradiographic Localization

Abstract

Summary

After intravenous injection of [³H]testosterone in 15-day-old chick embryo nuclear concentration of radioactivity is observed in mesenchymal cells of the bursa of Fabricius. In competition experiment with excess of unlabeled testosterone, the concentration of radioactivity is abolished, but not with unlabeled estradiol. When [³H]estradiol is injected alone no nulcear concentration of radioactivity is observed in the bursa of Fabricius. The results demonstrate the presence of target cells for androgen in the bursa of Fabricius and suggest involvement of androgens in the development and functioning of the immune system.