Effect of Various Hormones on the Growth and Histology of the Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) Abdominal Sebaceous Gland Pad

Abstract

The biologic and histologic characteristics of the abdominal sebaceous gland pad of the gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) are described. This pad occurs on the midline of the abdomen, attains greater size and appears earlier in the male than in the female. Pregnant mares' serum gonadotropin stimulates sebaceous gland pad growth in males and females, but only in the presence of the gonads. Exogenously administered progesterone, estradiol-17β and testosterone propionate stimulate the juvenile sebaceous gland pad of immature female gerbils. Hydrocortisone and ACTH do not. The response to testosterone is dose-related and is not altered by the simultaneous administration of progesterone, hydrocortisone or estradiol-17β. Histologic examination shows that testosterone stimulates growth of individual sebaceous units of the glandular pad. It is concluded from these and other studies, including those on glandular cholesterol and free fatty acids synthesis, that actual weight increase of the glandular pad is the most easily obtainable measurement of functional activity. (Endocrinology76: 1115, 1965)