The Effect of Perinatal Hormonal Imprinting with 13-cis-Retinoic Acid (Isotretinoin) on the Thymic Glucocorticoid Receptors of Female and Testosterone Level of Male Adult Rats

In earlier experiments, the long-term effect of perinatal treatment (hormonal imprinting) with all-trans-retinol and all-trans-retinoic acid on the thymic glucocorticoid and uterine estrogen receptors was studied and was found effective. In the present experiments, the imprinting effect of four retinoids (13-cis-retinaldehyde, 13-cis-retinoic acid, 9-cis-retinaldehyde and 9-cis-retinoic acid) was investigated, using receptor kinetic analysis and sexual hormone (testosterone and progesterone) level determinations. Exclusively 13-cis-retinoic acid (isotretinoin) had an effect, significantly decreasing glucocorticoid receptor affinity and increasing serum testosterone level. Relationships with RAR-RXR receptor binding and teratogenicity is discussed.

Key words

Retinoids - Hormone Receptor - Sexual Hormones - Thymus - Isotretinoin