[A mouse model of hypospadias induced by flutamide].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a mouse model of hypospadias induced by flutamide to further studying molecular mechanisms of hypospadias etiology. METHODS: Eighty timed pregnant ICR mice were randomly divided into four groups. Flutamide was injected subcutaneously (s.c.) with mixture sesame oil at 0 (Group A), 25 (Group B), 50 (Group C), 100 (Group D) mg.kg-1.d-1 from GD (gestation days) 12 to 16, respectively. The fetuses of two pregnants from each group were anatomized to observe the position of testes and the development of prostates on the day of delivery. Urethras and the position of testes were examined on postnatal day 28. RESULTS: Hypospadias was seen in Group A (0), B (44.2%), C (92.7%) and D (100%), and cryptorchidism in Group A (0), B (4.8%), C (23.2%) and D (32.4%), respectively. Flutamide caused 100% incidence of prostate agenesis in Group C and D and 19.2% in Group B, and 100% incidence of female-like anogenital distance in Group B, C, and D. CONCLUSION: The experimental model of hypospadias induced by flutamide is steadier and more suitable for popularization.