E<sub>2</sub> is a steroid that is produced by the '''granulosa cells''' of a follicle, the placenta and the testes. In males the target tissue is the brain for maturation of the male brain during foetal development. E<sub>2</sub> in the male also inhibits long bone growth. In females the target tissues are the hypothalamus, the entire female reproductive tract and the mammary glands. The primary action of E<sub>2</sub> in males is the appropriate development of male sexual behaviours whilst in females it influences sexual behaviour, GnRH levels, the secretory activity of the reproductive tract and enhances uterine motility. | E<sub>2</sub> is a steroid that is produced by the '''granulosa cells''' of a follicle, the placenta and the testes. In males the target tissue is the brain for maturation of the male brain during foetal development. E<sub>2</sub> in the male also inhibits long bone growth. In females the target tissues are the hypothalamus, the entire female reproductive tract and the mammary glands. The primary action of E<sub>2</sub> in males is the appropriate development of male sexual behaviours whilst in females it influences sexual behaviour, GnRH levels, the secretory activity of the reproductive tract and enhances uterine motility. |