scholarly journals Species differences in the ovarian distribution of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta5-->4 isomerase (3beta-HSD) in two marsupials: the brushtail possum Trichosurus vulpecula and the grey, short-tailed opossum Monodelphis domestica

Reproduction ◽  
2003 ◽  
pp. 65-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
SL Ullmann ◽  
AJ Russell ◽  
JI Mason ◽  
L Selwood

The ovarian distribution of the steroidogenic enzyme 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta(5-->4) isomerase (3beta-HSD) was investigated by immunocytochemistry in two marsupial species throughout the reproductive cycle, using a rabbit polyclonal antibody raised against human placental 3beta-HSD. In the polyoestrous and polyovular South American opossum Monodelphis domestica, immunostaining was positive for 3beta-HSD in the adrenal cortex, the ovarian interstitial tissue, the corpus luteum and the granulosa cells of antral and atretic follicles. The theca interna was weakly positive for 3beta-HSD, but only in late preantral to early antral stages of follicular development. The adrenal medulla and smaller preantral follicles were completely negative for 3beta-HSD. In contrast, in the polyoestrous and monovular Australian brushtail possum Trichosurus vulpecula, immunostaining showed a strong positive reaction for 3beta-HSD in the theca, whereas the granulosa layer remained predominantly negative for 3beta-HSD except in the largest follicles. The atretic follicles were completely negative for 3beta-HSD. The ovaries of pregnant animals contained grossly enlarged, persistent, antral follicles, which reacted positively for 3beta-HSD. The function of these follicles in T. vulpecula and the 3beta-HSD-positive atretic follicles in M. domestica has not been determined. The differences between the two marsupials represent species variations. The situation in M. domestica does not represent a marsupial-eutherian dichotomy as previously conjectured.

2002 ◽  
Vol 191 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas C. Eckery ◽  
Jennifer L. Juengel ◽  
Lisa J. Whale ◽  
Brian P. Thomson ◽  
Stan Lun ◽  
...  

Endocrinology ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 139 (1) ◽  
pp. 303-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamar Ronen-Fuhrmann ◽  
Rina Timberg ◽  
Steven R. King ◽  
Karen H. Hales ◽  
Dale B. Hales ◽  
...  

Abstract The steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) is a vital mitochondrial protein that is indispensable for the synthesis of steroid hormones in the steroidogenic cells of the adrenal cortex and the gonads. Recent studies have shown that StAR enhances the conversion of the substrate for all steroid hormones, cholesterol, into pregnenolone, probably by facilitating cholesterol entry into the inner compartment of the mitochondria where the steroidogenic cytochrome P450scc complex resides. To study the potential of StAR to affect ovarian steroidogenesis during follicular development, we examined the time-dependent expression of StAR protein and messenger RNA in PMSG/human CG (hCG)-treated immature rats. Western blot analyses and immunohistochemical and RT-PCR methodologies have revealed a biphasic expression of StAR in the ovaries responding to hormones. The first peak of StAR expression was generated by PMSG administration and lasted for 24 h. Furthermore, it was restricted to the entire network of the ovarian secondary interstitial tissue, as well as to a fewer scattered theca-interna cells. The second burst of StAR expression was observed in response to the LH surge, as simulated by hCG. This time, StAR was expressed in the entire theca-interna and interstitial tissue, as well as in those granulosa cells that were confined to periovulatory follicles. Immunoelectron microscopy studies revealed the over 90% of StAR antigenic sites are localized in the inner compartments of the mitochondrion, suggesting a rapid removal of StAR precursor from the mitochondrial surface, where it is believed to exert its activity. Altogether, our observations portray dynamic acute alterations of StAR expression during the process of follicular maturation in this animal model. Furthermore, if StAR indeed determines steroidogenic capacities in the ovary, our findings imply that, in immature rats undergoing hormonally induced first ovulation: 1) the early phases of follicular development are supported by androgen production originating from nonfollicular cells; 2) estrogen production in the granulosa cells of Graafian follicles is nourished by a submaximal androgenic output in the theca-interstitial compartments of the ovary.


2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa J. Haydon ◽  
Jennifer L. Juengel ◽  
Brian P. Thomson ◽  
Douglas C. Eckery

The objective of the present study was to determine which ovarian cells express mRNAs for oestrogen (ERα and ERβ), androgen (AR) and progesterone (PR) receptors during ovarian and follicular development in the brushtail possum. Expression of ERα and/or ERβ mRNA was observed from birth, initially in cells of the blastema, then in the medullary cords from Day 20. ERα was expressed in the oocytes and granulosa cells of secondary and antral follicles. Preovulatory follicles did not express ERα mRNA, although their oocytes were not examined for any gene. ERβ mRNA was observed in oocytes at all follicular stages examined, but was not consistently observed in granulosa or theca cells. Expression of AR mRNA before Day 40 was very faint; thereafter, expression was observed in the medullary cords, peaking between Days 60 and 120. Oocytes, granulosa cells and theca of secondary and antral, but not preovulatory, follicles expressed AR mRNA. PR mRNA was expressed throughout the gonad by Day 20. Granulosa cells of some secondary and antral follicles and theca of antral follicles expressed PR mRNA. Thus, the expression of mRNAs encoding steroidogenic receptors in a time- and cell-specific manner supports a role for steroids in the process of ovarian follicular formation and growth.


1984 ◽  
Vol 101 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-NP ◽  
Author(s):  
M. B. Renfree ◽  
A. P. F. Flint ◽  
S. W. Green ◽  
R. B. Heap

ABSTRACT Ovaries were obtained from tammar wallabies at various stages of the reproductive cycle to examine the occurrence of oestrogens in corpora lutea, and the synthesis and metabolism of steroids in the corpus luteum and ovarian cortical and interstitial tissues. Corpora lutea contained oestradiol-17β and oestrone during embryonic diapause and at all stages of pregnancy studied after blastocyst activation. Aryl sulphatase, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17β-oxidoreductase were shown to be present in luteal and other ovarian tissues by incubation in vitro with labelled substrates. Aromatase was undetectable in corpora lutea or in interstitial tissue, but was present in the ovarian tissues (including follicles) which remained after removal of corpora lutea. The probable source of the oestrogens detected in the corpus luteum is discussed in relation to their role in the inhibition of follicular development during embryonic diapause. J. Endocr. (1984) 101, 231–240


1965 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 365-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. M. FERGUSON

SUMMARY Sections of ovaries from 30 Swiss white mice were incubated with ten steroid substrates to demonstrate 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity histochemically. The substrates were: (1) 3β-hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one (pregnenolone), (2) 3β,17α-dihydroxypregn-5-en-20-one (17α-hydroxypregnenolone), (3) 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one (DHA), (4) 3β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-5-ene (androstenediol), (5) 3β-sulphoxypregn-5-en-20-one (pregnenolone sulphate), (6) 3β-sulphoxy-17α-hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one (17α-hydroxypregnenolone sulphate), (7) 3β-sulphoxyandrost-5-en-17-one (DHA sulphate), (8) 3β-acetoxypregn-5-en-20-one (pregnenolone acetate), (9) 3β-acetoxyandrost-5-en-17-one (DHA acetate), and (10) 3β-acetoxy-17β-hydroxyandrost-5-ene (androstenediol acetate). Pregnenolone, 17α-hydroxypregnenolone, DHA and androstenediol gave a colour reaction in the corpora lutea, interstitial tissue, theca interna and stroma of all ovaries examined. The granulosa of many follicles, some thought to be atretic, also contained diformazan granules. 17α-Hydroxypregnenolone did not give as intense a reaction as the other free steroids. No diformazan was deposited with DHA sulphate as substrate. Pregnenolone sulphate and 17α-hydroxypregnenolone sulphate were used by the same tissues as were the free steroids, although they were much less well utilized. Utilization of 3β-acetoxy derivatives was similar to that of the free steroids.


1965 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. H. BAILLIE ◽  
M. M. FERGUSON ◽  
K. C. CALMAN ◽  
D. McK. HART

SUMMARY 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase can be demonstrated histochemically by incubating tissues with nitro blue tetrazolium (2,2′-di-p-nitrophenyl-5,5′-diphenyl-3,3′-(3,3′-dimethoxy-4,4′-diphenylene) ditetrazolium chloride), NAD or NADP and an appropriate steroid. Suitable steroid substrates are: (1) 11β-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (11β-hydroxyandrostenedione), (2) 3,11β-dihydroxyoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one (11β-hydroxyoestrone), (3) 3α,11β-dihydroxy-5α-androstan-17-one, (4) 3α,11β-dihydroxy-5β-androstan-17-one and (5) 11β-hydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione(11β-hydroxyprogesterone). 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity was found in the Leydig cells of six human testes from subjects ranging in age from 12 to 57 yr. with all five substrates. The Leydig cells of the mouse testis contain demonstrable 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity and the volume of reactive tissue increases regularly between birth and the end of the 10th week of postnatal life; this growth curve is sigmoid in form. An extremely weak histochemical reaction with human placenta obtained at term was observed, 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione being the only substrate utilized to any extent. A specimen of hydatid mole, however, showed intense 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity with all substrates surveyed. 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was also found in the ova, granulosa, theca interna, interstitial tissue and corpora lutea of the mouse ovary.


1966 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-NP ◽  
Author(s):  
A. H. BAILLIE ◽  
K. C. CALMAN ◽  
M. M. FERGUSON ◽  
D. McK. HART

SUMMARY The histochemical utilization of 3α-, 6β-, 11α-, 12α-, 16α-, 16β-, 17α-, 21- and 24-hydroxysteroids in human and mouse testis, human placenta, mouse ovary and rat adrenal has been investigated using a coupling method and the tetrazolium salt, Nitro-BT. 3α-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was present in the human Leydig cells and placental syntrophoblast, but there was little in rat adrenal zona fasciculata and in mouse ovary; the enzyme is NAD or NADP dependent. 6β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was present in human Leydig cells, mouse Leydig cells, placental syntrophoblast, ova, granulosa, theca interna, corpora lutea and interstitial tissue; it is NAD dependent. 11α-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity was very poorly developed, being NAD dependent and demonstrable only in human Leydig cells. 12α-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase could be demonstrated in some human Leydig cells; it was both NAD and NADP dependent. 16α-Hydroxysteroids were very poorly used by all the tissues surveyed. 16β-Hydroxysteroids gave an intense histochemical reaction with NAD in human Leydig and Sertoli cells, in placental trophoblast, in adrenal zonae glomerulosa, fasciculata and reticularis and in all ovarian tissues. 17α-, 21- and 24-hydroxysteroids were poorly utilized by human Leydig cells, but not by the other tissues. The first two were NAD dependent; 24-hydroxysteroid utilization was both NAD and NADP dependent. The techniques used are believed to demonstrate specific hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases because of variations in pyridine nucleotide requirement and in the location in the tissues of different hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases. Moreover, stereoisomers of the same hydroxysteroid behave differently in this system. The role of steroid 5α- and 5β-dehydrogenases is discussed in connexion with the histochemical results.


Reproduction ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 110 (2) ◽  
pp. 361-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Crawford ◽  
G. H. Shackell ◽  
E. G. Thompson ◽  
B. J. McLeod ◽  
P. R. Hurst

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