5-3 -Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Activity in the Steroid-Hormone Producing Organs of the Ferret (Mustela Putorius Furo)

Abstract

A histochemical method was used for the detection of \g=D\5-3\g=b\-hydroxysteroiddehydrogenase activity in the adrenal glands, testes, ovaries and placentae of ferrets. The enzyme was demonstrated in the adrenocortical tissue, in the testicular Leydig cells of the testes, and in the granulosa lutein cells, the theca lutein cells and the theca interna of healthy and atretic follicles of the ovary. There was no enzyme activity in any part of the placenta, even when incubation was prolonged. All the tissues of the organs examined were active for the NAD diaphorase reaction. Lipid staining did not parallel the activity of \g=D\5-3\g=b\-hydroxysteroiddehydrogenase. The pattern of distribution of \g=D\5-3\g=b\-hydroxysteroiddehydrogenase activity resembles that seen in the guinea-pig, and differs from that seen in many other species\p=m-\inparticular the rabbit, another induced ovulator.

Attempts to Demonstrate 3 - And 17 -Hydroxy-Steroid Dehydrogenases Histochemically in the Testes of the Stallion, Boar, Ram and Bull

“…Histochemical methods for demonstrating the activity of the dehydrogenase system for A5-3/?-hydroxysteroids have been successfully applied to the adrenal glands, testes, ovaries and placentae of a number of different mammalian species (Wattenberg, 1958;Rubin, Deane & Hamilton, 1963;Deane & Rubin, 1965;Maeir, 1965;Galil & Deane, 1966). With (Deane & Rubin, 1965).…”

Histochemical Demonstration of 5-3 -and 17 -Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases in the Testes of the Boar

“…In the adult boar, an intense staining reaction in the interstitial tissue of the testes, incubated without substrate added to the medium, prevented the histochemical demonstration of a specific reaction for \g=D\5-3 \g=b\-hydroxysteroiddehydrogenase. In view of the high production of both oestrogens and androgens by the adult males of this species (Raeside, 1965) Wattenberg (1958), as described by Levy, Deane & Rubin (1959), Galil & Deane (1966) and Baillie et al (1966).…”

Mechanisms of aging in relationship to steroid biotransformations and the thiobarbituric acid reactive material in rate testicular tissue in vitro

“…He found a very strong 3B-HSD activity in the Sertoli cells of the opossum testis. " Galil and Deane (1966) also demonstrated a faint activity in Sertoli cells of the ferret testis. Christensen and Mason (1965) Negligible amounts of estrogens were obtained among the products isolated.…”