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Horm Metab Res 1985; 17(2): 110-111
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1013466
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© Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart · New York

Testosterone Metabolic Clearance Rate and Production Rate in the Male Infant Rhesus Monkey

J. D. Booth, J. D. Bacher, D. L. Loriaux, F. G. Cassorla
  • Developmental Endocrinology Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and Veterinary Resources Branch, Division of Research Services, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.A.
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Publication History

1984

1984

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

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Summary

The male infant rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) undergoes a period of testicular activation similar to that seen in the human infant. Plasma testosterone (T) concentrations rise after birth, reaching levels of about 500 ng/dl at 1-3 mo of age and then fall to approximately 50 ng/dl at 6 mo. The plasma T metabolic clearance rates (MCRT) and production rates (PRT) were measured in two rhesus infants at 1 and 6 mo of age to determine the mechanism of the observed in-crease in plasma T. While there was little change in the MCRT between 1 and 6 mo, PRT was much higher at 1 mo than at 6 mo of age. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that the increased plasma testosterone levels in infant rhesus monkeys reflect an increased production of testosterone rather than an altered metabolic disposition of the hormone.

Key-Words:

Testosterone - Infancy - Metabolic Clearance Rate - Production Rate

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