Changes with Age in Aromatization of Testosterone in Immature Female Rats1

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Abstract
In immature female rats, ovarian levels of estradiol-17β appeared to be higher at 8 days than at 15 or 22 days of age. Four h following a single s.c. injection of testosterone (100 µg/g b.w.), ovarian estradiol-17β levels were significantly elevated at all ages, compared to oil-treated control animals, with the highest levels being reached in 8-day-old animals. We have previously reported that the ovary contributes significantly to the increased ovarian concentration of estrogen when ovarian androgen contents are elevated by administration of high dosages of exogenous testosterone. Taken together, these results suggest that ovarian aromatization is greater in early post natal life and declines with age towards puberty.