Question

What effect does prenatal exposure to high levels of testosterone have on the development of female rats?

Answer 1

Testosterone plays a major role in male sexual development. Exposure of females to testosterone in utero can induce masculine characteristics such as anovulation, increased anogenital distance, absence of nipples, retention of male-like tissues, and agenesis of the lower vagina. Also, high levels of androgens during fetal development can lead to toxic effects such as reduced litter size and viability.