INCREASED SEBUM SECRETION IN ADULT FEMALE RATS AFTER NEONATAL TREATMENT WITH TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE

Abstract

SUMMARY Testosterone propionate (TP) was administered to female rats at 3 and 6 days of age. When adult the sebum secretion rate of these rats was significantly increased, although the response to TP was normal. Neonatal androgen treatment had no effect on the preputial gland weight of adult female rats. On the other hand ovarian weight was reduced. After ovariectomy of normal adult rats there was an increase in sebum secretion to a level comparable to that found in adult rats given TP as neonates. By contrast there was no change in sebum secretion after ovariectomy of adult rats given TP as neonates and the rate of sebum secretion in these rats was comparable to that in ovariectomized normal adults. It is suggested that after neonatal androgen treatment the normal inhibition of the sebaceous glands by the ovaries was abolished and consequently the rate of secretion was increased. Thus the endocrine state in early life may have a lasting effect on sebaceous gland activity in the adult.