Testosterone metabolism in discrete areas of the hypothalamus and adjacent brain regions of male and female Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica).

Abstract

Brain Res 1983 Nov 14;278(1-2):337-40

Schumacher M, Contenti E, Balthazart J

The metabolism of testosterone in small regions of the hypothalamus was studied by an in vitro radioenzymatic assay in male and female Japanese quail. 5 beta-reduction was the most important metabolic pathway. This enzymatic activity is not evenly distributed in the brain: it shows a rostral to caudal decrease. There is some suggestion that 5 beta-reduction could be more active in females than in males which could contribute to the behavioral dimorphism in this species.

PMID: 6640325, UI: 84054445