Endocrine Abstracts

All evidence so far indicates a role of different connexins during gonadal development, gamete formation and testicular and ovarian functions. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is one of the predominant gap junction proteins in the testis and ovary. It is well established that gonads development is highly sensitive to hormonal disruption induced by various endocrine active compounds during fetal period. Therefore, it was interesting to study whether communication via gap junctions is altered...

In pigs, the assembly of primordial follicles and their subsequent transition to the primary stage occur in the late gestational and neonatal period. Previously, we reported the presence of androgen receptors in the porcine fetal ovary on different days of gestation, which suggests a fetus capacity to respond to androgens. Since testosterone was detected in the plasma of porcine female fetuses during the second half of pregnancy, it is possible that androgens are involved in p...