The effects of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and oestradiol on the comb and oviduct of the female domestic fowl.

The possibility that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) may be the intracellular active form of testosterone (Bruchovsky & Wilson, 1968) has led to many investigations of their effects on reproductive structures in both sexes (Gloyna & Wilson, 1969; Gonzalez-Diddi, Komisaruk & Beyer, 1972). In this communication, the synergistic effects of testosterone propionate (TP) and DHT on oestradiol stimulation of the immature chick oviduct are compared. Single-comb White Leghorn fowl, 12 to 15 days old at the start of the experiments, were used. Birds were the same age in any one experiment. The steroids (TP, DHT and oestradiol benzoate or dipropionate) were suspended in sesame oil and injected subcutaneously for 7 days. All animals, including the controls, received 0\m=.\1ml sesame oil/day. At autopsy, the combs and oviducts were quickly removed and weighed to the nearest mg. Comb data are presented to give an indication of the androgen activity.