Hypothalamic deoxyribonucleases and DNA content during development of the androgenized female rat.

The DNA content and activity of acid and alkaline deoxyribonucleases (DNases) were measured through age 60 days in the hypothalamus of female rats injected s.c. with 1.25 mg testosterone propionate 48 h after birth. DNA significantly increases through age 60 days, however, androgenization does not affect the DNases or DNA content. It is suggested that masculinization of the female hypothalamus does not involve alterations in net DNA synthesis and/or degradation.