Systematic Analyses of Murine Masculinization Processes Based on Genital Sex Differentiation Parameters
December 2015
in “
Development Growth & Differentiation
”
TLDR DHT is crucial for urethral formation, and its disruption can affect masculinization and lead to hypospadias.
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.
