Anti-testosterone antisera produced in mice of different strains and sexes.

Specific anti-testosterone antiserum was obtained from mice of the strain C57B1/6. Testosterone 3(O-carboxymethyl)oxime-keyhole limpet hemocyanin conjugate was administered to male and female mice of the strains C57B1/6 (H-2b), DBA/2 (H-2d), (C57B1/6 x DBA/2)F1, (H-2b/d), and AKR (H-2k). Antisera obtained from male and female C57B1/6 mice were more specific for testosterone than those from the other strains, and the cross-reaction with 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone was 25.0 and 29.2%, respectively. The titer of antiserum from C57B1/6 mice was the highest and that of antiserum from DBA/2 mice was the lowest. On the other hand, the titer of antiserum from the female was higher than that of antiserum from the male in each strain. These results indicate that the mouse strain and sex differences are important factors for antibody formation from challenged antigen.