Abstract: Antler is the unique organ which can fully regenerate in the mammals. After the formation of the first antler，antlers are cast and regenerate in yearly cycles from the permanent bony protuberances，known as pedicles，current researches demonstrated that regenerating antlers are the derivatives of the pedicle periosteum. Therefore，it is highly relevant to study the initiation mechanism of the pedicles if antler regeneration is to be investigated. Research shows when the deer body weight reaches a certain threshold，the pedicles begin to grow，irrespective of deer age and season. It means that initiation of pedicles not only rely on androgenic hormones，but also depend on the nutrition levels. However，it is not known thus far how androgen hormones and nutrition work in concert on pedicle initiation. This article reviewed the currently available knowledge with regard to the relationship between the IGF1 and testosterone hormones，and the synergistic effects of androgenic IGF1 and testosterone on deer pedicle initiation，which provides an important basis for understanding the mechanism underlying pedicle regeneration.

Key words: deer; pedicle initiation; IGF1; testosterone