Expression levels of Mullerian-inhibiting substance, GATA4 and 17-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase cytochrome P450 during embryonic gonadal development in two diverse breeds of swine

Sexual differentiation and early embryonic/fetal gonad development is a tightly regulated process controlled by numerous endocrine and molecular signals. These signals ensure appropriate structural organization and subsequent development of gonads and accessory organs. Substantial differences exist in adult reproductive characteristics in Meishan (MS) and White Composite (WC) pig breeds. This study compared the timing of embryonic sexual differentiation in MS and WC pigs. Embryos/fetuses wer