Stimulation of Adrogen Biosynthesis in Rat Fetal Testes in vitro by Gonadotropins

Abstract

Rat fetal testes in the latter part of gestation (Days 17-21) have enzyme systems for the de novo synthesis of androgen. Under the conditions of these in vitro experiments the major androgen produced was testosterone, with lesser amounts of androstenedione and 5α-dihydrotestosterone. As little as 10 m IU of hCG added in vitro significantly increased androgen synthesis in the fetal testis on Day 19. Bovine, ovine or human LH but not bovine or ovine FSH also stimulated the synthesis of androgens by the rat fetal testis.