Systematic Analyses of Murine Masculinization Processes Based on Genital Sex Differentiation Parameters

December 2015 in “ Development Growth & Differentiation ”

Hiroko Suzuki, Kentaro Suzuki, Gen Yamada

finasteride DHT anogenital distance genital sex differentiation parameters urethral formation hypospadias estrogenic substances Propecia

Studysummary This study introduces genital sex differentiation parameters (GSDP) to analyze sexual differences in external genitalia and perineum development in mice, revealing varied sensitivity to androgen inhibition in genital structures.

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The study analyzed masculinization processes in mouse embryos by examining seven genital sex differentiation parameters (GSDP) and the effects of finasteride, a DHT inhibitor. Significant sexual differences were observed at embryonic day 18.5, with anogenital distance being a key indicator. Finasteride treatment reduced DHT levels, affecting ventral and urethral lengths but not genital tubercle size. The research suggested DHT's crucial role in urethral formation and highlighted the potential of GSDP in analyzing masculinization and understanding human hypospadias. The study also noted the influence of estrogenic substances and abnormal DHT levels on masculinization and hypospadias development.

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