Studies on Hormonal Regulation of Squalene Synthesis in Preputial Gland and Skin of the Rat. ∗

Summary

Utilizing gas-liquid chromatographic techniques, the influence of administration of testosterone, progesterone, and estradiol on the content of skin and preputial gland squalene has been studied in the castrated rat. Testosterone and, to a lesser extent, progesterone markedly enhance the squalene content of the preputial gland. Testosterone also enhances the synthesis of fatty acids from acetate-2-C¹⁴ in this tissue, suggesting that it may act in a general way to enhance fat synthesis.