Summary
The present study is concerned with delayed effects of a substance with antiandrogenic properties (Cyproterone). Microscopic examinations of the reproductive organs were made in 10–11-day and 4-month old male offspring of rats given Cyproterone acetate (CA) during pregnancy. About half the number of these offspring were injected with CA even after birth for 10 and 21 days, respectively.
In all rats a vagina developed, which anteriorly ended blindly. The ejaculatory ducts opened into the vagina. In some of the 4-month old males the vagina was attached to the posterior urethra. In all the other adult males the vagina was separated from the urethra down to the perineum. The seminal vesicles were well developed but reduced in size. Only some small rudimentary prostatic anlagen were seen. No coagulating glands occurred.
The testes of the 10–11-day old rats had a normal appearance. Several of those of the 4-month old males were damaged, however: the tubules were sterile and often markedly shrunken. In some cases an inflammatory exudate was seen between the tubules. The changes in the testes were interpreted as a result of the incomplete descensus of the testes.
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Forsberg, JG., Jacobsohn, D. & Norgren, A. Modifications of reproductive organs in male rats influenced prenatally or pre-and postnatally by an “antiandrogenic” steroid (Cyproterone). Z. Anat. Entwickl. Gesch. 127, 175–186 (1968). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00521983
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00521983