The ratio of 2nd to 4th digit length: a predictor of sperm numbers and concentrations of testosterone, luteinizing hormone and oestrogen

• DOI: 10.1093/humrep/13.11.3000
• Publication Date: 2002-07-26T22:22:25Z
• Authors: J. T. Manning; D. Scutt; J. Wilson; D. I. Lewis-Jones
• Keywords: Digit ratio

The differentiation of the urinogenital system and appendicular skeleton in vertebrates is under control Hox genes. common digit gonad raises possibility that patterns formation may relate to spermatogenesis hormonal concentrations. This work was concerned with ratio between length 2nd 4th (2D:4D) humans. We showed (i) 2D:4D right left hands has a sexually dimorphic pattern; males mean = 0.98, i.e. tended be longer than females 1.00, digits equal length. dimorphism present from at least age 2 years probably established utero; (ii) high associated germ cell failure men (P 0.04); (iii) sperm number negatively related hand 0.004); (iv) testosterone concentrations were women LH (right hand), oestrogen hands) prolactin hand) positively correlated (v) remained luteinizing hormone after controlling for sex, age, height weight.