Int. J. Dev. Biol. 35: 1 - 7 (1991)

Vol 35, Issue 1

Embryonic sex hormones in birds

Published: 1 March 1991

J P Weniger

Laboratory of Zoology and Experimental Embryology, Louis Pasteur University, Strasbourg, France.

Abstract

Hormone activity of embryonic gonads in birds was demonstrated by grafting and culture experiments. Anti-Müllerian hormone responsible for the regression of the Müllerian ducts in the male is most probably a glycoprotein. Whether the testis also secretes testosterone has long been disputed, but most arguments are against this possibility. From early stages of development, the ovary secretes estrome and estradiol. However, it could not be demonstrated unambiguously whether estrogen is identical with the sex inducing substance in the female. The hypophysis seems to control ovarian estrogen secretion at 10-13 days of incubation in the chick embryo.