Effect of dihydrotestosterone on follicular development, ovulation and reproductive capacity of mice

A single injection of a 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) was administered to cyclic female mice on the day of metoestrus. DHT (1 mg) prolonged the dioestrous stage of the cycle by 24 h and there were 50% fewer large (normal) follicles than in oil-injected controls. Degenerating ova were observed in the oviduct of 70% of the DHT-treated mice and there was a significant reduction in the numbers of females becoming pregnant and bearing normal fetuses.