Episodic fluctuation in plasma testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in male ferrets during the breeding season

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Abstract
The present study was an investigation of the relationship between testosterone and DHT [dihydrotestosterone] concentrations in the plasma of the ferret, and whether these hormones fluctuated episodically late in the breeding season. The results of this study confirm the presence of an episodic pattern of androgen secretion in male ferrets. There were 3 statistically recognizable and synchronous peaks of testosterone and DHT in a 26 h period when all animals were considered together. The mean ratios of testosterone to DHT ranged from approximately 1-4. The absence of recognizable correlations between testosterone and DHT from the same sample or testosterone with DHT from subsequent samples suggests that DHT is not released from the testis synchronously with testosterone.