[The prenatal genotype-dependent modification by glucocorticoids of the morphometric characteristics of the genital system in mice and rats].

Morphometric parameters of the reproductive system have been studied in adult males of four inbred mouse strains and two outbred rat strains after injection of corticosteroids into their mothers at 16 and 18 day of pregnancy. Significant interstrain difference in weight of sex glands was observed. Prenatal injection of corticosteroids decreased high values of features and increased low ones. Hence, the level of corticosteroids during prenatal development plays an important part in regulation of morphometric parameters of the reproductive system of adult rodents. The pattern of action depends on the genotype of an animal and may change under the influence of selection.