Diacylglycerol kinase K variants impact hypospadias in a California study population.

Purpose: A recent genome wide association study demonstrated the novel finding that variants in DGKK are associated with hypospadias. Our objectives were to determine whether this finding could be replicated in a more racially/ethnically diverse study population of California births and to provide a more comprehensive investigation of variants.

Materials And Methods: We examined the association of 27 DGKK single nucleotide polymorphisms with hypospadias relative to population based nonmalformed controls born in selected California counties from 1990 to 2003.

The ontogeny of the urogenital system of the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta Erxleben).

Studies were conducted to elucidate the importance of androgen-mediated induction of the extreme masculinization of the external genitalia in female spotted hyenas. Phallic size and shape; androgen receptor (AR) and alpha-actin expression; and sex-specific differences in phallic retractor musculature, erectile tissue, tunica albuginea, and urethra/urogenital sinus were examined in male and female fetuses from Day 30 of gestation to term. Similar outcomes were assessed in fetuses from dams treated with an AR blocker and a 5alpha-reductase inhibitor (antiandrogen treatment).

Urogenital system of the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta Erxleben): a functional histological study.

The unique urogenital anatomy and histology of female spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta Erxleben) was reexamined to identify adaptations of "structure" that enable/facilitate urination, mating, and parturition through the clitoris. Unusual features of penile anatomy required for meeting ceremonies and successful mating through a clitoral point of insertion were also examined. As reported previously, the upper urogenital tract of the female spotted hyena is typical of other carnivores and consists of the oviducts, uterine horns, uterine body, and vagina.