PUBERTAL MATURATION IS ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ANDROGEN RECEPTOR-IMMUNOREACTIVE CELLS IN THE BRAINS OF MALE FERRETS

Androgen receptor-immunoreactive (AR-IR) cells were identified in brains of male ferrets before and after the onset of pubertal maturation. There was a greater number of AR-IR cells after the onset of pubertal maturation in some, but not all, brain regions examined. Regions in which the number of AR-IR cells increased included the preoptic area and the amygdala, areas known to be involved in the control of male reproductive behaviors. The mechanisms responsible for the increase in AR-IR cells are unknown, but might be related to the higher circulating levels of testosterone that were present in the older animals. Testosterone may increase androgen receptor (AR) immunoreactivity both by concentrating already existing ARs within the nucleus and by stimulating de novo synthesis of receptor protein.