Androgen control of the secretion in the sebaceous-like preen gland

Uropygial gland of quails was previously proved to have androgen receptors. The waxes secreted by this gland were shown to consist mainly of linear saturated fatty acids esterified by linear saturated diols. In adult male quails, the relative concentration of the C12 diol was found to be correlated to the androgen levels of the birds. Furthermore, in castrated quails implanted with testosterone propionate capsules, 6 days were required for the C12 diol to reach the level found in sexually active birds. These testosterone effects related to the C12 diol were nullified by cyproterone acetate administration. Consequently the C12 diol is a reliable specific marker for androgenicity in the quails' preen gland, a new and accurate model for the study of androgen action in sebaceous glands.