Abnormal nipples in female offspring of rats given testosterone during pregnancy
Forsberg, J.G.; Gustafsson, T.; Jacobsohn, D.
Archives D'anatomie Microscopique et de Morphologie Experimentale 66(3): 207-216
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9594 PMID: 615542 Document Number: 117202
Studies were made of the nipples of female young, adult and lactating offspring of rats given testosterone propionate (Tp) s.c. at days 13, 14 or 15 of pregnancy. The nipples and the genital tract were examined with regard to their morphology and functional capacity. The results obtained from the 31 day old, adult virginal and lactating offspring were uniform: 5.0 mg Tp given at day 15 of pregnancy inhibited the development of nipples and markedly modified the genital tract. Tp 2.5 and 1.25 mg injected at day 15 resulted in malformations of some, but not all of the nipples. The genital tract appeared normal. With the 2.5 mg dose given at day 15 more than 50% of the nipples became abnormal, and the growth of sucklings was retarded. The effects of Tp on nipple growth varied according to the dose and the time of administration to the mother rat.