Steroids Present in the Follicular Fluid of the Mare

Abstract

Using paper chromatographic techniques, it has been possible to identify the following steroids in the follicular fluid of the mare (results expressed as \g=m\g/1.):oestradiol-17\g=b\,460\g=m\g;oestrone, 34 \g=m\g;cortisol, 12 \g=m\g;progesterone, 124 \g=m\g; 17\g=a\-hydroxyprogesterone, 66 \g=m\g;epitestosterone, 24 \g=m\g;androstenedione, 136 \g=m\g. In addition to these seven compounds, 136 \ g=m\ g of an unidentified oestrogen-like substance and 52 \ g=m\ g of an unidentified 17-ketosteroid were also present. This is the first time that epitestosterone has been identified as a natural product, and the possible significance of this compound is discussed. 19-Hydroxyandrostenedione, the postulated intermediate in the formation of oestrone from androstenedione, was not detected in this study, and some doubt is therefore cast on the theory that it is an essential intermediate in the biosynthesis of the ovarian oestrogens.The presence of relatively large amounts of an unidentified polar oestrogen in follicular fluid suggests that it may be of some physiological significance, although at the present time no information is available on the biological activity of this compound.

Partition of Androgen Between the Lymph and Venous Blood of the Testis in the Ram

“…The counter-current distribution step adopted in the earlier method was replaced by a solvent partition (Finkelstein, 1952 ;Brown, 1955) which makes it possible to determine oestrogens and neutral steroids of varying polarity in the same extract, as shown by Short (1960a). The present communication deals only with the examination of the less polar non-phenolic fraction prepared by means of this partition.…”

“…water ('oestriol' fraction) and twice with 1-6% NaOH ('oestrone-|-oestradiol ' fraction, Brown, 1955) ; these fractions were preserved for future examina¬ tion. The remaining benzene-light petroleum solution ('non-phenolic' fraction, Short 1960a) was washed thrice with water (3 ml. ), taken to dryness and apphed to paper (Schleicher & Schuh, no.…”

Intrafollicular Concentrations of Steroids and Steroidogenic Enzymes in Relation to Follicular Development in the Mare1

“…Ovarian expression of steroidogenic enzymes is related to follicular fluid steroid levels in cattle [13], pigs [14,15], and humans [12]. Several studies have focused on the intrafollicular steroid levels in the mare [16][17][18][19], but no information is available on the in vivo expression of steroidogenic enzymes that bring about the ovarian steroid synthesis in the equine species. However, the ovarian physiology of the mare is an interesting model.…”

The Conversion of Progesterone Into Testosterone by the Mouse Ovary and Its Relationship to Adrenal X Zone Degeneration

“…Extraction of the incubates of each group followed by isolation of steroids and their fractionation into a water-soluble and hydrocarbon-soluble fraction was done by the method of Short (1960). The water-soluble fraction is referred to as fraction A.…”