Abnormal phenotypic gender: pseudohermaphrodites

Pseudohermapthrodites may result from problems with receptors, hormones or enzymes:

• persistent paramesonepthric (Mullerian) duct syndrome involves a receptor abnormality (dogs have Mullerian Inhibiting Substance). Undescended testes are attached to uterine horns, vasa deferentia are located in uterine wall. Bilateral oviducts, complete uterus with cervix, and cranial vagina are present.

• androgen insensitivity (testicular feminization) involves deficiency or abnormality of cytosol receptors for androgen. Complete or partial failure of androgen-dependent masculinization. Wolffian system does not develop or does not develop fully. Uterus, cervix and anterior vagina regress as they do normally.

• steroid 5-alpha-reductase deficiency means that dihydrotestosterone cannot be produced; therefore closure of urethra and scrotum do not occur; also, prostate and penis fail to develop.

• adrenogenital syndrome means that a female can't make adrenal cortical steroids due to enzyme deficiencies. This results in overproduction of adrenal androgens. The female duct system is modified toward the male.