INDUCTION OF ANDROGEN-DEPENDENT PROTEASE AND SEROUS-LIKE GRANULES BY TRI-IODOTHYRONINE IN THE SUB-MANDIBULAR GLAND OF MICE WITH TESTICULAR FEMINIZATION

Esteroprotease, an androgen-dependent enzyme of the mouse submandibular gland, was increased by injection of tri-iodothyronine (T3) in mice with testicular feminization (Tfm) which are genetically deficient in androgen receptors. Histochemical and electron microscopic studies also demonstrated increases of RNA and serous-like granules in cells of the convoluted tubules of the gland. These findings suggest that the esteroprotease gene in Tfm mice is normal and that T3 can induce both esteroprotease and serous-like granules independently of androgen.