Specific Morphogenetic Events in Mouse External Genitalia Sex Differentiation Are Dependent Upon Androgens and Estrogens

    October 2012 in “ Differentiation ”
    Esequiel Rodriguez, Dana Weiß, Max Ferretti, Hong Wang, Julia Menshenia, Gail P. Risbridger, David J. Handelsman, Gerald R. Cunha, Laurence S. Baskin
    TLDR Mouse genital development depends on male or female hormones for specific features.
    The study investigated the role of androgens and estrogens in the sex differentiation of mouse external genitalia (ExG). It found that prenatal androgens were crucial for specifying penile identity, while postnatal androgens were necessary for the development of specific penile features. Neonatal castration impaired penile development, but dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatment restored these features. Androgen receptor (AR) signaling was essential for male genital development, and its absence led to clitoral morphology. Estrogen treatment caused developmental abnormalities, and neonatal ovariectomy had little effect on clitoral development. The study highlighted the complex hormonal regulation required for proper ExG formation in mice.
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