The relationship of structure and function in the adrenal gland of the possum Trichosurus vulpecula, has been studied using in-vitro incubation techniques. It was shown that both 17\g=a\-hydroxycorticosteroids and 17-deoxycorticosteroids were produced from radioactive pregnenolone and progesterone, and that these transformations occurred both in the definitive cortex as well as in a special zone of hypertrophied tissue found only in the adult female.In support of earlier findings, it was also shown that the adrenal cortex of the possum has a remarkable capacity to produce C19 steroids (including androstenedione and testosterone) from the radioactive precursors. While most of the transformations occurred with equal efficiency in both types of tissue, the reduction of androstenedione to testosterone seemed to take place more readily in the special hypertrophied zone of the adult female.In studies in vivo, it was found that levels of testosterone in the peripheral blood of the adult female possum were extremely high compared with man. Variations in testosterone levels were not apparently correlated with the stage of the oestrous cycle. The possible pathways by which the adrenal products are synthesized, and their physiological implications are discussed.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.