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Plasma testosterone concentrations during postnatal development in the male common marmoset
Insights
Plasma testosterone (T) levels in male marmosets are high in infancy, drop to a low point in juvenile stages, and then rise during puberty. This study tracked T levels from birth to adulthood in marmosets.
Area of Science:
- Primate reproductive endocrinology
- Developmental biology
- Comparative physiology
Background:
- Understanding hormonal profiles in developing primates is crucial for reproductive health and species conservation.
- Testosterone (T) plays a key role in male sexual development and behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the plasma testosterone profile in male marmosets throughout postnatal development.
- To identify key developmental stages of testosterone changes from infancy to puberty.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal measurement of plasma testosterone levels in male marmosets (n=56) from birth to 300 days.
- Plasma samples were collected repeatedly to track developmental changes.
- Adult male marmosets (n=44) were also included for comparison.
Main Results:
- Plasma T levels were elevated in infancy (days 1-90), with mean levels of 5.4 ng/ml (days 1-10).
- A significant decline in T levels was observed, reaching a nadir between 100 and 170 days (mean 1.7 ng/ml at days 100-110).
- A progressive rise in T levels was noted during the pubertal period, with some males exhibiting earlier pubertal onset than previously documented.
Conclusions:
- Male marmosets exhibit a distinct biphasic pattern of testosterone secretion during postnatal development.
- The identified testosterone profile provides critical reference data for marmoset reproductive biology.
- Findings suggest potential variations in pubertal timing within the species.
Abstract:
Repeated measurements of plasma testosterone (T) were made in 56 male marmosets from the day of birth until 300 days of age and in 44 adults (greater than 3 years). The resulting profile of plasma T during postnatal development shows higher levels during infancy (1-90 days) followed by a nadir between 100 and 170 days and then a progressive rise in T during puberty. Although T levels of up to 21 ng/ml were measured in infant males, mean levels (+/- SEM) were 5.4 +/- 0.6 ng/ml (days 1-10), declining gradually to 1.7 +/- 0.1 ng/ml (days 100-110). No increase in mean T levels between 15 and 100 days was identified, and the onset of puberty was earlier in some males than measured previously in this species.