Prenatal ACTH and corticosterone: effects on reproduction in male mice

Injections of ACTH or corticosterone into late pregnant mice from Days 14 to 21 did not alter testes weights or feminine copulatory behavior of male offspring in adulthood. However masculine copulatory behavior was significantly reduced. Because ACTH does not cross the placenta, alterations in sexual behavior of male offspring were probably mediated by maternal corticosteroid secretion.