Androgen levels and androgenization in sex-reversed (XXSxr pseudomale) mouse: absence of initial segment of epididymis is independent of androgens

Abstract

The XXSxr pseudomale ("sex-reversed") mouse has an apparently normal male phenotype. This is in accordance with Jost's Principle that, in an animal with androgen-producing testes, phenotype will be fully masculinized, irrespective of chromosomal sex. However, the epididymis of this mutant lacks the Initial Segment. Several alternative explanations were proposed. In the present study we examined the primary of these, viz, androgen insufficiency. We studied androgen levels in serum and tissues of the mutant, and we investigated whether injection of exogenous androgens could induce normal development. The XXSxr pseudomale is not deficient in androgens, nor do exogenous additional androgens induce development of the Initial Segment. It would appear that the abnormal genotype acts on the organ phenotype without intervention of androgens.