Murine sex-limited protein expression requires androgens and pituitary hormones.

Levels of the murine sex-limited protein (Slp) were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in normal and hypophysectomized female CDF1 (Slpa) mice before and after a 15-day treatment with testosterone proprionate. Both groups of mice initially had undetectable levels of circulating Slp. After treatment, Slp serum levels of the nonhypophysectomized group had risen significantly above the Slp serum levels of the hypophysectomized group and the pretreatment controls. This indicates that the pituitary gland is necessary for the androgen-induced expression of Slp.