HISTOCHEMICAL-STUDIES ON GENETIC-CONTROL OF HORMONAL ENZYME INDUCIBILITY IN THE MOUSE .5. HISTOCHEMICAL EVIDENCE FOR ANDROGEN INDUCIBILITY OF BETA-GLUCURONIDASE IN THE EPIDIDYMIS

The enzyme .beta.-glucuronidase (.beta.G) is shown, by histochemical methods, to be androgen inducible in the mouse epididymis. This trait was previously believed to exist only in the kidney. Its presence in the genital tract constitutes a valuable tool in study of the developmental genetics of the reproductive system. A coordinated genetic control of heterogeneous lysosomal populations is implied. A system for study of X-chromosomal activation, and of the developmental androgen dependence of the epididymis is provided.