The role of sex hormones in the growth of antler bone tissue. I: Endocrine and metabolic effects of Antiandrogen therapy

Bubenik, George A.; Bubenik, A. B.; Brown, Gina; Wilson, David A.

doi:10.1002/jez.1401940202

Cited by 44 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…This impaired bone remodeling is hypothetically related to a lack of stimulation by higher levels of sex steroids in the castrates. Similar findings were reported by Bubenik G and Bubenik A (1978) for the antlers of intact white-tailed bucks (Odocoileus virginianus) treated with an antiestrogen (CI-628) during the antler growth period. The absence of a compact cortical antler zone in the castrated fallow bucks permitted a sufficient blood circulation in the antlers to be maintained, thereby allowing survival and further growth of both bone and skin.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 86%

“…There exists considerable evidence supporting the hypothesis that the terminal phase of antler mineralization is dependent on higher levels of sex steroids (Bubenik G and Bubenik A, 1978;Morris and Bubenik, 1983;Muir et al, 1988). Therefore, as in the case of the structural abnormalities of the bone, the impairment of antler mineralization observed in the present study can also be associated with the lack of gonadal sex steroids in the castrates.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…Administration of testosterone or estradiol to males in hard antler postpones antler casting beyond the normal date (Goss, 1968). When male deer carrying velvet antlers are castrated (Blauel, 1935;Wislocki et al, 1947;Goss, 1968) or treated with the antiandrogen cyproterone acetate (Bubenik GA et al, 1975;Kolle et al, 1993), the velvet is not shed. So far, it is a matter of debate whether or not antler growth itself requires (direct or indirect) stimulation by low levels of androgens (Bubenik GA, 1983Schams et al, 1992;Kolle et al, 1993;Suttie et al, 1995;Bartoš et al, 2000;Sadighi et al, 2001).…”

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confidence: 99%

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Histological structure of antlers in castrated male fallow deer (Dama dama)

Kierdorf

Schultz

et al. 2004

Anat. Rec.

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Antlers are periodically replaced cranial appendages that, except for the reindeer, are grown only by male deer. The annual antler cycle is controlled by seasonal fluctuations of sex steroid concentrations in the blood, and accordingly castration of male deer causes deviations from normal antler growth. The present study investigated antler histology of castrated fallow bucks (Dama dama). Castration in early spring was followed by casting of the hard antlers carried by the bucks and the growth of a new set of antlers, which remained in velvet permanently. In the following year, numerous bony protuberances developed from the original antler surface. Further growth of these protuberances, which were formed by subperiosteal intramembranous ossification, led to a marked increase in antler diameter in the affected areas. Compared to antlers of intact bucks, the antlers of the castrates showed histological signs of immaturity, suggestive of a reduced bone remodeling and an impairment of the mineralization process. These changes point to the dependence of the above processes on a stimulation by higher levels of sex steroids. Two years after castration, the antlers also developed integumental thickening and showed an initial formation of skin outgrowths. Cystic structures were present in the skin, which were often filled with a presumably sebaceous and/or keratinous material. Formation of intradermal bone or cartilage was not observed in the antlers of the castrated fallow bucks. The histological structure of the skin outgrowths suggested that they were caused by a hypertrophy of the dermal component of the velvet. Due to the localized bone overgrowth, resulting from the periosteal bone apposition onto the original antler surface, skin-lined infoldings originated, which reached deep into the newly formed bone. Our study revealed no indication of invasive/destructive bone growth in the antlers, i.e., of a penetration of the newly formed bone tissue into the pre-existing bone. The hypertrophic bone growth in the antlers of the castrates is compared with other forms of periosteally derived hypertrophic bone formation, including osteomas, in the mammalian skeleton. It is discussed whether the skin and bone outgrowths of the antlers of castrated fallow bucks may be classified as benign tumors. Key words: antler; fallow deer (Dama dama); castration; bone; skin; histology Antlers are periodically cast and regenerated cranial appendages that develop on top of permanent processes (pedicles) of the frontal bones of deer. Except for the reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), in which both sexes carry antlers, these are normally grown only by male deer (Goss, 1983;Lincoln, 1992). Since the antler physiology of reindeer differs markedly from that in other deer species, this special case is not considered further and only the typical situation in male deer will be presented.The annual antler cycle is controlled by seasonal fluctuations in the blood levels of sex steroids

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 86%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Histological structure of antlers in castrated male fallow deer (Dama dama)

Kierdorf

Schultz

et al. 2004

Anat. Rec.

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“…Testosterone (T) increases growth of males in some mammalian and avian models where adult males are the larger sex (Slob and Van Derr Werff Ten Bosch, 1975;Gentry and Wade, 1976;Gray et al, 1979;Czaja, 1984;Cikos et al, 1992;Peralta et al, 1994) while decreasing growth in others (Swanson, 1967;Bubenik et al, 1975;Fennell and Scanes, 1992). For example, differential growth rates in rats from puberty onward contribute to the larger size of adult males.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Influence of Sex Steroids on the Sexual Size Dimorphism in the Red-Spotted Garter Snake, Thamnophis sirtalis concinnus

Lerner

Mason

2001

General and Comparative Endocrinology

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The red-spotted garter snake exhibits adult size dimorphism in which females are the larger sex. To understand which hormones may influence differential growth in this species, growth curves and hormone profiles of estradiol-17␤ (E 2 ) and testosterone (T) were constructed in male and female neonates. Growth was manipulated via implantation of exogenous hormones and hormone antagonists. Female neonates are heavier or longer beginning at either 20 or 24 weeks of age, respectively. Although low circulating levels of E 2 and T were present in males and females from birth through 15 weeks of age, these levels were not significantly different between the sexes. Differences in the growth curves of the treated and untreated snakes were significant after 24 weeks of age. Antiestrogen produced male-like growth in females but had no effect on males. Antiandrogen had no effect on either males or females. Exogenous T reduced female growth to that observed in males, and E 2 reduced male growth. These results suggest that a basal level of either E 2 or T is sufficient in males to retain typical male growth patterns. Similar endogenous levels of E 2 appear to have growthpromoting effects in females. Endogenous T does not appear to play a role in female growth.

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“…In seasonally breeding deer from temperate regions the seasonal cycle of rutting behaviour and growth and casting of the antlers is associated with a cycle of growth and secretion of testosterone by the testis (Lincoln, 1971;Lincoln et al, 1972;Bubenik et al, 1975;Leader-Williams, 1979;Sempere & Biosson, 1981). Photoperiod is the major environmental cue which entrains the seasonal antler cycle (Jaczewski, 1954;Goss, 1969;Pollock, 1975) and more recent work indicates that the effects of photoperiod are mediated by the pineal gland (Plotka et al, 1981;Lincoln, 1985).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%