Effects of Prenatal Treatment with Antiandrogens on Luteinizing Hormone Secretion and Sex Steroid Concentrations in Adult Spotted Hyenas, Crocuta Crocuta

The study investigated the effects of prenatal antiandrogen treatment on luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and sex steroid concentrations in adult spotted hyenas. Pregnant hyenas were treated with antiandrogens, and their adult offspring were later tested. It was found that female hyenas naturally had higher LH levels than males, and prenatal antiandrogen treatment significantly altered the LH response to GnRH. In females, estradiol levels were higher, while testosterone and androstenedione levels were lower, although this difference disappeared after hormone suppression and challenge. In males, prenatal antiandrogen treatment resulted in lower testosterone levels compared to controls. The findings suggested that the anterior pituitary gland in female hyenas was partially masculinized by high prenatal androgen levels, without negatively affecting ovulatory function.