Induction of organ-specific antigens of the rabbit male accessory glands by injection of testosterone or gonadotrophin.

Highly specific antiserums for two antigens of rabbit male accessory glands, called FII and FV, were used to study the effect of hormonal treatment on their appearance during postnatal development. Single or double serial injection of testosterone, or human chorionic gonadotrophin, produces an increase in accessory gland and testis weight, and at the same time induces the synthesis of a detectable amount of specific antigens. This was proved by using groups of animals 4 and 6 1/2 weeks old. The antigens were consistently absent in accessory glands from normal and control animals of the same age. The histologic characteristics of maturation were also observed. Ultrastructural studies revealed an increase in number of microvilli supranuclear vaculoes with secretory content and well developed rough endoplasmic reticulum. These changes were more easily detected in young animals treated with chorionic gonadotrophin. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to the presence of specific carriers (cytosols).