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Sexual dimorphism in the neonatal gonad
Author(s) -
Hughes IA,
Coleman N,
Ahmed S Faisal,
Ng KL,
Cheng A,
Lim HN,
Hawkins JR
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
acta pædiatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/j.1651-2227.1999.tb14347.x
Subject(s) - gonad , aromatase , endocrinology , sexual dimorphism , medicine , biology , ovary , testosterone (patch) , gonadal ridge , endocrine system , luteinizing hormone , sertoli cell , steroid hormone , sexual differentiation , hormone , germ cell , embryogenesis , spermatogenesis , gene , genetics , cancer , breast cancer
Hughes IA, Coleman N, Faisal Ahmed S, Ng K‐L, Cheng A, Lim HN, Hawkins JR. Sexual dimorphism in the neonatal gonad. Acta Pædiatr 1999; Suppl 428: 23–30. Stockholm. ISSN 0803–5326 The neonatal gonad has two distinct forms (i.e., is sexually dimorphic), as judged by morphological and endocrine characteristics. The dimorphic process begins early in embryogenesis. It is well established by the time of birth, by which time the genital ridge has developed into either a testis or an ovary. The mechanisms involved in sex determination involve the Y chromosome, autosomal genes, transcription factors and possibly other unidentified control networks. This review paper describes the morphological changes that occur and the endocrine functions in the developing gonads. It highlights a number of important differences in fetal and neonatal gonadal function. The testis has early histological definition, several determining genes, delayed germ cell maturation, early autonomous steroid secretion, luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor and steroid enzyme expression, high fetal testicular testosterone content, prominent postnatal Leydig and Sertoli cells and high postnatal serum testosterone levels. The ovary has a prolonged monomorphic state, probably one determining gene, germ cells in early meiotic arrest, delayed expression of LH receptor and aromatase, low ovarian oestradiol content, prominent postnatal follicles and low postnatal serum oestradiol levels. □ Dimorphism, endocrine function, gonads, morphology, ovary, testis