Figure 9.

Expression of CYP26B1 mRNA in embryonic chicken gonads, assessed by real time PCR (qRT-PCR). (A) CYP26B1 expression is up-regulated in male gonads from day 8.5 (closed squares). In female gonads (left and right pooled) there is initially a low level of expression, relative to males. From day 10.5, expression declines in females (open circles). (B) Gonadal expression profiles of CYP26B1 (closed circles) and STRA8 (open circles) in female chicken embryos, analysed together. An inverse relationship is evident; when CYP26B1 expression declines from day 10.5, STRA8 expression is up-regulated.