Sexual dimorphism and the effects of the X-linked Tfm locus on hexobarbitone metabolism and action in mice

Br J Pharmacol. 1981 Sep;74(1):97-104. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.1981.tb09959.x.

Abstract

1 Normal males of the testicular feminized strain of mice (Tfm) had longer hexobarbitone-induced sleeping times than females, and hepatic hexobarbitone hydroxylase activity different in that the Km was higher and the Vmax lower in the male. 2 Castration and androgen replacement studies indicated that testicular androgens were responsible for the sexual differences in drug metabolism found in this mouse strain. 3 Hepatic hexobarbitone metabolism and action were feminized in the intact, androgen-insensitive, genetically male Tfm mouse. Furthermore, hexobarbitone hydroxylase activities were less responsive to large doses of testosterone in Tfm mice than in normal males. 4 The Tfm mouse with a deficiency in androgen receptors responded to the enzyme-inductive effects of phenobarbitone and softwood bedding, indicating that these inducers do not act through the androgen receptors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Androgen-Insensitivity Syndrome / genetics
  • Androgen-Insensitivity Syndrome / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Castration
  • Female
  • Hexobarbital / metabolism*
  • Hexobarbital / pharmacology
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Microsomes / metabolism
  • Microsomes, Liver / enzymology
  • Mixed Function Oxygenases / metabolism
  • Sex Factors
  • Sleep / drug effects
  • Testosterone / pharmacology
  • X Chromosome / physiology

Substances

  • Testosterone
  • Hexobarbital
  • Mixed Function Oxygenases
  • hexobarbital hydroxylase