The development of the pituitary-gonadal-axis and of body and organ weights was investigated
in male Mongolian gerbils. During the neonatal period from birth to 7 days of age
testicular activity was high but decreased to low prepubertal levels from 7 to 28
days of age. The pubertal period occurred from 1 to 3 months of age and was characterized
by an intense rise in serum testosterone concentrations and in testicular testosterone
production in-vitro. At 2.5 months of age accessory organs achieved their adult weight,
at the same time as both, serum testosterone concentration and in-vitro testosterone
production, reached their respective maximum levels. From 4 until 24 months of age
no further relevant changes occurred in the pituitary-gonadal-axis. This study demonstrates
that the testicular responsiveness is an important factor for the pubertal increase
of testosterone during sexual maturation of male Mongolian gerbils.
Mongolian gerbil - Development - Pituitary-gonadal-axis - In-vitro testosterone production
