[Plasma androgen levels in Papio hamadryas pavian hamadrils at different periods of postnatal development]

Using radioimmunological assay, it has been demonstrated that at the age of 0.5, 1 and 2 years sexual differences are absent in the concentration of testosteron, 5 alpha-dihydrotestosteron, dehydroepiandrosteron and delta 4-androstendion in the blood plasma. The level of testosteron in sexually immature animals does not differ from that in adult females. In sexually mature baboons, testosteron content was found to be more than 20 times higher. The activity of 5 alpha-reductase, checked by the ratio of concentrations of testosteron and 5 alpha-dihydrotestosteron, in adult males was 4 times lower than in sexually immature animals. No significant changes in delta 4-androstendion concentration were noted during the development of androgenic function. Dehydroepiandrosteron content of the peripheral blood in immature baboons is several times higher than that in adult animals, which may be associated with postnatal activity of embryonic zone.