Testosterone stimulation of DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activities in the cloacal and uropygial glands of the male quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

DNA polymerase alpha and beta activities were studied and compared in the cloacal gland and the uropygial gland (sebaceous-like gland) taken from castrated quails after testosterone administration. In the cloacal gland, testosterone induced an important increase in DNA polymerase alpha while DNA polymerase beta was not found to be altered. In the uropygial gland, testosterone induced a cyclic variation of DNA polymerase alpha activity which may relate to the holocrine function of this gland.