DAO 136:273-278 (2019)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/dao03418

ABSTRACT: This case study describes a persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS), a rare form of XY disorder of sex development (DSD), in a mature (>15 yr) beluga whale Delphinapterus leucas. The phenotypically and genetically male beluga whale had both Müllerian (paramesonephric) and Wolffian (mesonephric) duct derivatives. A mild hydrometra was present. Gross and histological analyses indicated the testes were atrophied. Histopathologic findings in the testes also included fibrosis in addition to ductus deferens ductular dilation, epididymal ductular dilation, lymphoplasmacytic balanitis, uterine glandular atrophy, and endometrial fibrosis. DSDs are rarely reported in cetaceans, and PMDS has never been described in a cetacean.

KEY WORDS: Beluga whale · Delphinapterus leucas · Developmental sex disorder · Anti-Müllerian hormone · AMH · AMH receptor · Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome

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Cite this article as: Stimmelmayr R, Ferrer T, Rotstein DS (2019) Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome in a beluga whale Delphinapterus leucas. Dis Aquat Org 136:273-278. https://doi.org/10.3354/dao03418 Export citation Share:    Facebook - - linkedIn