ArticleVeyssière G, Berger M, Jean-Faucher C, de Turckheim M, Jean C.
Biol Neonate. 1977;32(5-6):327-30.
Plasma and tesicular testosterone were measured by radioimmunoassay in the 29-day-old rabbit fetus receiving an injection of saline solution, LH or LHRH. 30 min following the injection of 5 microgram LH into the umbilical vein, testosterone levels were significantly increased by 287% in the plasma and 293% in the testis, compared with controls receiving saline solution. The injection of 2 microgram of LHRH under the same conditions significantly increased testicular testosterone by 256% and plasma testosterone by 746%. The results show that the fetal rabbit testis, at the end of gestation, is capable of responding to LH stimulation. The hypophysio-testicular axis is apparently functional at this stage of gestation, as shown by the response to LHRH.