Amador A G, Levin M, Huck U W, Hilgers R D, Angel N
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62794-9230.
Rev Esp Fisiol. 1993 Sep;49(3):175-80.
Coat color genes have been shown to be developmental genes with wide pleiotropic actions. The present study was undertaken to analyze the effects of mutations at the e locus of the Syrian hamster on testicular and adrenal steroidogenesis. Although no differences in body weight were detected, cream (e/e) hamsters had larger testes and smaller adrenals than wildtype (+/+) animals. Plasma testosterone levels were lower in e/e than in +/+ hamsters. However; testicular progesterone levels were higher, and 17-OH-progesterone and testosterone levels were lower in e/e when compared to +/+ hamsters. The efficiency of testicular 17-hydroxylase appear to be reduced in e/e hamsters. Adrenal progesterone levels were higher. 17-OH-progesterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and aldosterone levels were similar, and cortisol levels were lower in e/e when compared to +/+ hamsters. The efficiencies of adrenal 17-hydroxylase and 17-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase appear to be reduced in e/e hamsters. The present data indicate that steroidogenic deficiencies are present in the testes and adrenals of e/e hamsters, and that the gonadal alterations are more severe than the adrenal ones. The e locus, in the hamster, could be a developmental gene, or could be coding for a component in a signaling pathway under the control of such a gene.
