Autoradiographic localization of androgen-concentrating cells in the brain of the male domestic fowl.

Cells in the male fowl brain which accumulate radioactivity following 3H testosterone (T) administration were identified by autoradiography. Labelled cells were found principally in hypothalamic, limbic and midbrain structures. Marked uptake was observed in the preoptic area (POA) and in the anterior and posterior hypothalamus. There was also a significant amount of labelling in the archistriatum (ARCH), particularly in the nucleus taeniae (Tn), and in the lateral septum. In the midbrain, substantial uptake of labelled hormone was found in the nucleus intercollicularis (ICo). The pattern of accumulation of T in the male fowl was comparable to that for sex hormone uptake in vertebrates in general. Furthermore, accumulation was generally found in areas known to be concerned with sex hormone-dependent functions.