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Development of the urogenital tract in male offspring of rats injected during pregnancy with a substance with antiandrogenic properties (Cyproterone)

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Summary

Detailed examinations were performed of the urogenital tract of newborn males obtained from rats injected daily with 1,2α-methylen-6-chlor-Δ 4,6-pregnadien-17α-ol-3,20-dion acetate (Cyproterone acetate) from the 14th or 15th day of pregnancy until term. The substance was dissolved in propylene glycol or in sesame oil containing 3.5 per cent benzyl benzoate. A dose of 10 mg Cyproterone acetate was given once, twice or three times per day.

The observations were as follows: The prostatic glands were strongly inhibited, a vaginal anlage was formed from the male urethra and the prostatic utricle. Effects were neither observed in the seminal vesicles nor in the deferent ducts (except in one case). The müllerian ducts degenerated as in normal males.

Possible mechanisms of action of Cyproterone acetate are discussed.

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Forsberg, JG., Jacobsohn, D. & Norgren, A. Development of the urogenital tract in male offspring of rats injected during pregnancy with a substance with antiandrogenic properties (Cyproterone). Z. Anat. Entwickl. Gesch. 126, 320–331 (1968). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00520797

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00520797

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