The vasa sanguinea vasorum of the fetal aorta of domestic swine

In 122 aortas of swine fetuses of various ages the vasa sanguinea vasorum were investigated. The repartition of the vasa sanguinea vasorum was affected by age and the thickness of the media. Only aortic segments whose media included more than 29 lamellar units were vascularized.

Antiandrogens and reproductive development

The most undesirable side effect of a new gestagen intended for the treatment of pregnancy disturbances is the virilization of female foetuses. In 1961, our drug company developed a new highly effective gestagen, cyproterone acetate (figure 1) (Wiechert & Neumann 1965). We were given the task to test this substance in animal experiments for desirable and undesirable effects, particularly for the occurrence of virilization. As this drug was intended for the treatment of pregnancy disturbances, such as threatening or habitual abortion, it had to be free of virilizing side effects.

Influence of methyltestosterone and cyproterone acetate on Wolffian duct differentiation in female rat foetuses

In contrast to results in rabbit and dog foetuses, Wolffian duct stabilization in male rat foetuses was inhibited by cyproterone acetate. On the other hand, the stabilizing effect of methyltestosterone in female rat foetuses could be abolished even when excessive androgen doses were given. The hormonal factor(s) involved in normal Wolffian duct stabilization in male rat foetuses remains to be clarified.

The influence of some progestogens on the mammary gland of the foetal mouse during the period of initial differentiation

Progestogens administered to pregnant mice during the initial period of differentiation of the mammary gland rudiment produced various morphological changes in the mammary rudiments of both male and female foetuses.

Norethisterone (17α-ethynyl-Δ4-oestrene-17β-ol-3-one) caused virilization of the rudiments in female foetuses. Medroxyprogesterone acetate (6α-methyl-Δ4-pregnene-17α-ol-3,20-dione-17α-acetate) produced virilization of the rudiments in female and feminization in male foetuses. Gestonorone caproate (19-nor-Δ4-pregnene-17α-ol-3,20-dione-17α-caproate) and allyloestrenol (17α-allyl-Δ4-oestren-17β-ol) tended to cause feminization of some of the mammary rudiments.

Androgenic, anti-androgenic or anti-gonadotrophic effects of the investigated substances are considered as possible mechanisms involved in the present findings.