The role of sex hormones in the growth of antler bone tissue. I: Endocrine and metabolic effects of antiandrogen therapy.

Cyproterone acetate (CA), an antiandrogenic compound, was used in order to investigate the role of testosterone in bone growth processes. The formation of Haversian systems in the growing antlers of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were substantially affected by only 3.5 mg of CA kg/wk. The mineralization processes of the bone matrix were almost completely blocked and the antlers persisted in growing throughout the whole year. Plasma levels of thyroxine, alkaline phosphatase and GH were higher while cortisol and testosterone levels were lower than in controls. No differences were registered in plasma levels of Ca, P or urea nitrogen. Despite hypertrophy of interstitial tissue, spermatogenesis was almost completely blocked. The sexual behaviour and the body appearance of experimental animals was typical for castrates.