In rodent development, what would happen if there was no α-fetoprotein to bind the circulating estrogen that comes from the mother's ovaries?

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α-fetoprotein binds to circulating estrogen from the mother's ovaries, which prevents it from crossing the blood-brain barrier of the developing fetus. Without α-fetoprotein, the estrogen would enter the developing brain of both male and female fetuses, leading to masculinization of the female brain and feminization of the male brain. This can lead to altered behaviors in adulthood, such as decreased male aggression and increased female aggression. Therefore, if there was no α-fetoprotein to bind the circulating estrogen, females would be masculinized in behavior.

In Rodent Development, What Would Happen If There Was No