Abstract
Testosterone and the boar taint steroid 5.alpha.-androst-16-en-3-one were determined radioimmunologically in peripheral plasma of 3 boars. A modified extraction procedure for the latter compound was established and its reliability confirmed. Samples of plasma were taken every 30 min during three 48 h periods. Diurnal rhythms of both steroids were found with maximum values (concentrations > mean +2 SD) occurring twice daily in the afternoon and after midnight. Corresponding nadirs (concentrations < mean -2 SD) were found in the early evening and in the morning till around noon. The variations in testosterone were more smooth than those of 5.alpha.-androst-16-en-3-one. It is likely that clear cut diurnal rhythms are discernible because of the low base values.

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