Endocrine Mediators of Masculinization in Female Mammals  

Oleh:

Drea, Christine M.

Jenis: Article from Journal - e-Journal
Dalam koleksi: Current Directions in Psychological Science vol. 18 no. 04 (Aug. 2009), page 221-226.
Topik: Sex Difference; Masculinization; Hyena; Lemur
Fulltext: 07. Endocrine Mediators of Masculinization in Female Mammals.pdf (215.96KB)

Isi artikel

Most mammal species show traditional patterns of sexual dimorphism (e.g., greater male size and aggression), the proximal mechanism of which involves the male’s greater pre- and postnatal exposure to circulating androgens. But in several species, females diverge from the traditional pattern, converging on the male form or even reversing sexual dimorphisms. Such ‘‘masculinized’’ females might show elongation of the clitoris, enhanced body size, and aggressively mediated social dominance over males, and they are interesting case studies for examining the role of androgens in females. This review addresses our understanding of the mediating mechanisms of morphological and behavioral development in both traditional and exceptional mammal species. Although certain lines of evidence implicate testosterone in female masculinization, the role for sex steroids in female development remains unclear. The results call for continued study of both hormonal and non-hormonal mechanisms of sexual differentiation, particularly focused on active processes of feminine development.

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