The concentrations of oestradiol and oestrone in peripheral plasma of male and female ferrets 5 days before and 7, 15 and 30 days after birth were measured. Both steroids were present in high concentrations prenatally. Much lower levels were found in samples collected on day 7 and later, when the concentrations were similar to those of adult gonadectomized animals. No significant sex difference was seen for the concentration of either steroid at any age studied. These results, and those previously reported showing the absence of a circulating binding protein and the presence of oestradiol receptors in the hypothalamus in the perinatal period in this species, suggest that brains of both males and females are exposed to significant amounts of oestrogen during development. These findings lend support to the possibility that prenatal exposure to oestrogen plays a role in organizing the potential for female behaviour in male and female ferrets.
J. Endocr. (1984) 100, 161–166
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