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The enzymatic complex 5α-reductase (5α-R) and 3α/3β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase (HSOR) is expressed in the nervous system, where it transforms progesterone (PROG) and testosterone (T) into neuroactive metabolites. These metabolites regulate myelination, brain maturation, neurotransmission, reproductive behavior and the stress response. The expression of 5α-R and 3α-HSOR and the levels of PROG and T reduced metabolites show regional and sex differences in the nervous system and are affected by changing physiological conditions as well as by neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. A decrease in their nervous tissue levels may negatively impact the course and outcome of some pathological events. However, in other pathological conditions their increased levels may have a negative impact. Thus, the use of synthetic analogues of these steroids or 5α-R modulation have been proposed as therapeutic approaches for several nervous system pathologies. However, further research is needed to fully understand the consequences of these manipulations, in particular with 5α-R inhibitors., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In the present paper, cellular composition of buffalo corpus luteum (CL) with its functional characterization based on 3β-HSD and progesterone secretory ability at different stages of estrous cycle and pregnancy was studied. Buffalo uteri along with ovaries bearing CL were collected from the local slaughter house. These were classified into different stages of estrous cycle (Stage I, II, III and IV) and pregnancy (Stage I, II and III) based on morphological appearance of CL, surface follicles on the ovary and crown rump length of conceptus. Luteal cell population, progesterone content and steroidogenic properties were studied by dispersion of luteal cells using collagenase type I enzyme, RIA and 3β-HSD activity, respectively. Large luteal cells (LLC) appeared as polyhedral or spherical in shape with a centrally placed large round nucleus and an abundance of cytoplasmic lipid droplets. However, small luteal cells (SLC) appeared to be spindle shaped with an eccentrically placed irregular nucleus and there was paucity of cytoplasmic lipid droplets. The size of SLC (range 12-23μm) and LLC (range 25-55μm) increased (P<0.01) with the advancement of stage of estrous cycle and pregnancy. The mean progesterone concentration per gram and per CL increased (P<0.01) from Stage I to III of estrous cycle with maximum concentration at Stage III of estrous cycle and pregnancy. The progesterone concentration decreased at Stage IV (day 17-20) of estrous cycle coinciding with CL regression. Total luteal cell number (LLC and SLC) also increased (P<0.01) from Stage I to III of estrous cycle and decreased (P<0.05), thereafter, at Stage IV indicating degeneration of luteal cells and regression of the CL. Total luteal cell population during pregnancy also increased (P<0.01) from Stage I to II and thereafter decreased (P>0.05) indicating cessation of mitosis. Increased (P<0.05) large luteal cell numbers from Stage I to III of estrous cycle and pregnancy coincided with the increased progesterone secretion and 3β-HSD activity of CL. Thus, proportionate increases of large compared with small luteal cells were primarily responsible for increased progesterone secretion during the advanced stages of the estrous cycle and pregnancy. Total luteal cells and progesterone content per CL during the mid-luteal stage in buffalo as observed in the present study seem to be less than with cattle suggesting inherent luteal deficiency., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

PR-104, currently in phase II clinical trials, is a phosphate ester pre-prodrug which is converted in vivo to its cognate alcohol, PR-104A, a prodrug designed to exploit tumor hypoxia. Bioactivation occurs via one-electron reduction to DNA crosslinking metabolites in the absence of oxygen. However, certain tumor cell lines activate PR-104A in the presence of oxygen, suggesting the existence of an aerobic nitroreductase. Microarray analysis identified a cluster of five aldo-keto reductase (AKR) family members whose expressions correlated with aerobic metabolism of PR-104A. Plasmid-based expression of candidate genes identified aldo-keto reductase 1C3 as a novel nitroreductase. AKR1C3 protein was detected by Western blot in 7 of 23 cell lines and correlated with oxic PR-104A metabolism, an activity which could be partially suppressed by Nrf2 RNAi knockdown (or induced by Keap1 RNAi), indicating regulation by the ARE pathway. AKR1C3 was unable to sensitize cells to 10 other bioreductive prodrugs and was associated with single-agent PR-104 activity across a panel of 9 human tumor xenograft models. Overexpression in two AKR1C3-negative tumor xenograft models strongly enhanced PR-104 antitumor activity. A population level survey of AKR1C3 expression in 2,490 individual cases across 19 cancer types using tissue microarrays revealed marked upregulation of AKR1C3 in a subset including hepatocellular, bladder, renal, gastric, and non-small cell lung carcinoma. A survey of normal tissue AKR1C3 expression suggests the potential for tumor-selective PR-104A activation by this mechanism. These findings have significant implications for the clinical development of PR-104.

Context: The human adrenal gland produces small amounts of testosterone that are increased under pathological conditions. However, the mechanisms through which the adrenal gland produces testosterone are poorly defined., Objective: Our objective was to define the role of type 5 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (AKR1C3) in human adrenal production of testosterone., Design and Methods: Adrenal vein sampling was used to confirm ACTH stimulation of adrenal testosterone production. Adrenal expression of AKR1C3 was studied using microarray, quantitative real-time RT-PCR, and immunohistochemical analyses. AKR1C3 knockdown was accomplished in cultured adrenal cells (H295R) using small interfering RNA, followed by measurement of testosterone production., Results: Acute ACTH administration significantly increased adrenal vein testosterone levels. Examination of the enzymes required for the conversion of androstenedione to testosterone using microarray analysis, quantitative real-time RT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry demonstrated that AKR1C3 was present in the adrenal gland and predominantly expressed in the zona reticularis. Decreasing adrenal cell expression of AKR1C3 mRNA and protein inhibited testosterone production in the H295R adrenal cell line., Conclusions: The human adrenal gland directly secretes small, but significant, amounts of testosterone that increases in diseases of androgen excess. AKR1C3 is expressed in the human adrenal gland, with higher levels in the zona reticularis than in the zona fasciculata. AKR1C3, through its ability to convert androstenedione to testosterone, is likely responsible for adrenal testosterone production.

Adrenarche is thought to be experienced only by humans and some Old World primates despite observed regression of an adrenal fetal zone and establishment of a functional zona reticularis (ZR) in other species like rhesus macaques. Adrenal differentiation remains poorly defined biochemically in nonhuman primates. The present studies defined ZR development in the neonatal rhesus by examining androgen synthetic capacity and factors affecting it in rhesus and marmoset adrenals. Western immunoblots examined expression of 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase cytochrome P450 (P450c17), cytochrome b5 (b5), and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3betaHSD), among other key enzymes. 17,20-lyase activity was quantified in adrenal microsomes, as was the contribution of b5 to 17,20-lyase activity in microsomes and cell transfection experiments with rhesus and marmoset P450c17. Expression of b5 increased from birth to 3 months, and was positively correlated with age and 17,20-lyase activity in the rhesus. Recombinant b5 addition stimulated 17,20-lyase activity to an extent inversely proportional to endogenous levels in adrenal microsomes. Although 3betaHSD expression also increased with age, P450c17, 21-hydroxylase cytochrome P450, and the redox partner, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase, did not; nor did recombinant cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase augment 17,20-lyase activity. Cotransfection with b5 induced a dose-dependent increase in dehydroepiandrosterone synthesis by both nonhuman primate P450c17 enzymes. We conclude that the increase in 17,20-lyase activity characteristic of an adrenarche in rhesus macaques is driven primarily by increased b5 expression, without the need for a decrease in 3betaHSD, as suggested from human studies. The rhesus macaque is a relevant and accessible model for human ZR development and adrenal function.

Resistance towards anticancer drugs is a general problem upon chemotherapy. Among the mechanisms of resistance, metabolic inactivation by carbonyl reduction is a major cause of chemotherapy failure that applies to drugs bearing a carbonyl moiety. Oracin is a promising anticancer drug which is presently in phase II clinical trials. Pharmacokinetic studies have revealed that oracin undergoes metabolic inactivation by carbonyl reduction. In the present study, we provide evidence that AKR1C3, a member of the aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily, catalyzes the inactivation of oracin. Moreover, AKR1C3 does also mediate C13 carbonyl reduction of doxorubicin to its inactive hydroxy metabolite doxorubicinol. Doxorubicinol, however, has also been considered responsible for the cardiomyopathy observed upon doxorubicin chemotherapy. Since AKR1C3 is overexpressed in hormone-dependent malignancies like prostate and breast cancer, coadministration of AKR1C3 inhibitors might enhance the chemotherapeutic efficacy of oracin and doxorubicin, and simultaneously reduce the risk of cardiomyopathy upon doxorubicin treatment.

Primary bile acids are synthesized from cholesterol in the liver and thereafter are secreted into the bile and small intestine. Gut flora modify primary bile acids to produce secondary bile acids leading to a chemically diverse bile acid pool that is circulated between the small intestine and liver. A majority of primary and secondary bile acids in higher vertebrates have a 3alpha-hydroxyl group. Here, we characterize a line of knockout mice that cannot epimerize the 3beta-hydroxyl group of cholesterol and as a consequence synthesize a bile acid pool in which 3beta-hydroxylated bile acids predominate. This alteration causes death in 90% of newborn mice and decreases the absorption of dietary cholesterol in surviving adults. Negative feedback regulation of bile acid synthesis mediated by the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is disrupted in the mutant mice. We conclude that the correct stereochemistry of a single hydroxyl group at carbon 3 in bile acids is required to maintain their physiologic and regulatory functions in mammals.

The brain is now widely recognized as having the capacity to make steroids, neurosteroidogenesis. Although many functions are known for steroids that might be made in the brain, the evolution of and natural biological functions for these neurosteroids are not fully understood. In songbirds, neurosteroids may function in the development of neural circuits controlling song and may also participate in the activation of some steroid-dependent behaviors during the non-breeding season. In addition to neuroanatomical and behavioral evidence, we have physiological, molecular, and biochemical evidence for the expression and activity of steroidogenic enzymes in the brains of developing and adult songbirds. We review the evidence published so far for songbird neurosteroidogenesis and discuss why we believe songbird species are excellent models for the study of brain steroid synthesis and action., ((c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Human aldo-keto reductases (AKR) of the 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D subfamilies are involved in the pre-receptor regulation of nuclear (steroid hormone and orphan) receptors by regulating the local concentrations of their lipophilic ligands. AKR1C3 is one of the most interesting isoforms. It was cloned from human prostate and the recombinant protein was found to function as a 3-, 17- and 20-ketosteroid reductase with a preference for the conversion of Delta4-androstene-3,17-dione to testosterone implicating this enzyme in the local production of active androgens within the prostate. Using a validated isoform specific real-time RT-PCR procedure the AKR1C3 transcript was shown to be more abundant in primary cultures of epithelial cells than stromal cells, and its expression in stromal cells increased with benign and malignant disease. Using a validated isoform specific monoclonal Ab, AKR1C3 protein expression was also detected in prostate epithelial cells by immunoblot analysis. Immunohistochemical staining of prostate tissue showed that AKR1C3 was expressed in adenocarcinoma and surprisingly high expression was observed in the endothelial cells. These cells are a rich source of prostaglandin G/H synthase 2 (COX-2) and vasoactive prostaglandins (PG) and thus the ability of recombinant AKR1C enzymes to act as PGF synthases was compared. AKR1C3 had the highest catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) for the 11-ketoreduction of PGD2 to yield 9alpha,11beta-PGF2 raising the prospect that AKR1C3 may govern ligand access to peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPARgamma). Activation of PPARgamma is often a pro-apoptotic signal and/or leads to terminal differentiation, while 9alpha,11beta-PGF2 is a pro-proliferative signal. AKR1C3 is potently inhibited by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs suggesting that the cancer chemopreventive properties of these agents may be mediated either by inhibition of AKR1C3 or COX. To discriminate between these effects we developed potent AKR1C inhibitors based on N-phenylanthranilic acids that do not inhibit COX-1 or COX-2. These compounds can now be used to determine the role of AKR1C3 in producing two proliferative signals in the prostate namely testosterone and 9alpha,11beta-PGF2.

Tibolone [[7alpha,17alpha]-17-hydroxy-7-methyl-19-norpregn-5(10)-en-20-yn-3-one] is used to treat climacteric symptoms and prevent osteoporosis. It exerts tissue-selective effects via site-specific metabolism into 3alpha- and 3beta-hydroxymetabolites and a Delta4-isomer. Recombinant human cytosolic aldo-keto reductases 1C1 and 1C2 (AKR1C1 and AKR1C2) produce 3beta-hydroxytibolone, and the liver-specific AKR1C4 produces predominantly 3alpha-hydroxytibolone. These observations may account for the appearance of 3beta-hydroxytibolone in target tissues and 3alpha-hydroxytibolone in the circulation. Using liver autopsy samples (which express AKR1C1-AKR1C4), tibolone was reduced via 3alpha- and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) activity. 3beta-Hydroxytibolone was exclusively formed in the cytosol and was inhibited by the AKR1C2-specific inhibitor 5beta-cholanic acid-3alpha, 7alpha-diol. The cytosolic formation of 3alpha-hydroxytibolone was inhibited by an AKR1C4-selective inhibitor, phenolphthalein. The ratio of these stereoisomers was 4:1 in favor of 3beta-hydroxytibolone. In HepG2 cell cytosol and intact cells (which do not express AKR1C4), tibolone was exclusively reduced to 3beta-hydroxytibolone and was blocked by the AKR1C1-AKR1C3 inhibitor flufenamic acid. In primary hepatocytes (which express AKR1C1-AKR1C4), time-dependent reduction of tibolone into 3beta- and 3alpha-hydroxytibolone was observed again in a 4:1 ratio. 3beta-HSD activity was inhibited by both 5beta-cholanic acid-3alpha,7alpha-diol and flufenamic acid, implicating a role for AKR1C2 and AKR1C1. By contrast, the formation of 3alpha-hydroxytibolone was exclusively inhibited by phenolphthalein implicating AKR1C4 in this reaction. 3beta- and 3alpha-Hydroxytibolone were rapidly metabolized into polar metabolites (>85%). The formation of minor amounts of tibolone was also observed followed by AKR1C-catalyzed epimerization. The low hepatic formation of 3alpha-hydroxytibolone suggests that AKR1C4 is not the primary source of this metabolite and instead it maybe formed by an intestinal or enterobacterial 3alpha-HSD.

In mouse ovaries, the enzyme 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) is distributed between microsomes and mitochondria. Throughout the follicular phase of the estrous cycle, the HSD activity in microsomes is predominant; whereas, after LH stimulation, HSD activity during the luteal phase is highest in the mitochondria. The current study examined whether or not LH stimulation always results in an increase in mitochondrial HSD activity. This was accomplished by measuring the HSD activity in microsomal and mitochondrial fractions from ovaries of pregnant mice. These animals have two peaks of LH during gestation, and one peak of LH after parturition. It was found that mitochondrial HSD activity was highest after each peak of LH. It is proposed that mitochondrial HSD is essential for the synthesis of high levels of progesterone. The increase in HSD activity in mitochondria after LH stimulation occurs because: 1) LH initiates the simultaneous synthesis of HSD and the cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc); and, 2) HSD and P450scc bind together to form a complex, which becomes inserted into the inner membrane of the mitochondria. High levels of progesterone are synthesized by mitochondrial HSD because: 1) the requisite NAD+ cofactor for progesterone synthesis is provided directly by the mitochondria, rather than indirectly via the rate limiting malate-aspartate shuttle; and, 2) the end-product inhibition of P450scc by pregnenolone is eliminated because pregnenolone is converted to progesterone.

Disorders of androgen biosynthesis are a relatively rare cause of sexual ambiguity in 46XY genetic males. The biosynthesis of androgen requires the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and the steroidogenic enzymes P450scc, 3 beta HSDII, P450c17, 17 beta HSDIII, and 5 alpha-reductase. Deficiencies have been reported in these enzymes, leading to male pseudohermaphroditism. Here we describe three enzymes 3 beta HSDII, P450c17, and 17 beta HSDIII, their roles and mechanisms of action special reference to diagnosis and treatment for the patients with deficiencies of these enzymes.

The 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) isoenzymes play a key role in cellular steroid hormone synthesis. Vaccinia virus (VV) also synthesizes steroid hormones with a 3beta-HSD enzyme (v3beta-HSD) encoded by gene A44L. Here we examined the effects of v3beta-HSD in VV disease using wild-type (vA44L), deletion (vDeltaA44L), and revertant (vA44L-rev) viruses in a murine intranasal model. Loss of A44L was associated with an attenuated phenotype. Early (days 1-3) after infection with vDeltaA44L or control viruses the only difference observed between groups was the reduced corticosterone level in lungs and plasma of vDeltaA44L-infected animals. Other parameters examined (body weight, signs of illness, temperature, virus titres, the pulmonary inflammatory infiltrate, and interferon [IFN]-gamma levels) were indistinguishable between groups. Subsequently, vDeltaA44L-infected animals had reduced weight loss and signs of illness, and displayed a vigorous pulmonary inflammatory response. This was characterized by rapid recruitment of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes, enhanced IFN-gamma production and augmented cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity. These data suggest that steroid production by v3beta-HSD contributes to virus virulence by inhibiting an effective inflammatory response to infection.

In amphibians, aldosterone (Aldo) is particularly important in the regulation of Na(+) exchange by skin and urinary bladder. In previous works we studied a key enzyme in Aldo biosynthesis, the 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase (3 beta HSD/I), in the interrenals of Bufo arenarum. In those works a dual localization of the 3 beta HSD/I in both microsomes and mitochondria was described. The mitochondrial, but not the microsomal, enzyme prefers the immediate Aldo precursor, 3 beta-analogue of aldosterone, as substrate. In this order, the enzyme 3 beta HSD/I would be not only a key enzyme for the synthesis of Aldo but additionally, due to its microsomal and mitochondrial localization, a possible target for the regulation of Aldo biosynthesis. With this rationale in mind, we have used in vivo and in vitro approaches to study Aldo regulation. In the present investigation the levels of Aldo were determined in plasma of winter (W) and summer (S) toads subjected to different saline concentrations (0.125 and 0.15 M) or kept on wet land. Saline hyperosmotically treated toads had significantly lower levels than isoosmotically treated toads. These results are consistent with the response in mammals, in which salt loading provokes a reduction in Aldo secretion. In W toads, plasmatic corticosterone (B) concentration was higher than Aldo concentration, whereas in S toads, B/Aldo ratio approached unity. The reduction of Aldo levels after saline dehydration was due to a decline in its biosynthesis. K(m) and V(max) values for 3 beta HSD/I were calculated for mitochondrial and microsomal fractions obtained from animals acclimated to 0.15 M NaCl or kept on land. As previously described, V(max) differs between W and S toads. However, only mitochondrial V(max) changed as a consequence of saline adaptation, suggesting that the mitochondrial enzyme could be involved in the regulation of Aldo biosynthesis.

The human corpus luteum (CL) undergoes a dynamic cycle of differentiation, steroid hormone production and regression during the course of non-fertile cycles. In humans and other primates, luteal steroidogenesis is absolutely dependent on pituitary-derived LH. However, changes in LH and LH receptor expression do not explain the marked decline in progesterone production at the end of the luteal phase. Changes in the level of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), a gene whose expression is controlled by LH most likely account for the cyclic pattern of progesterone production. During the mid-to-late luteal phase of a fertile cycle, chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) rescues the CL, overcoming the actions of the factors inducing luteolysis. Although the agents causing regression of the CL in a non-fertile cycle are not yet known, intra-luteal growth factors and cytokines that modify the action of LH probably contribute to the reduction of StAR expression and the subsequent fall in progesterone production.

This review analyzes data on the biological role of 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3alpha-HSD) in animal and human tissues and describes its main characteristics, mechanism of action, and regulation of activity. Based on published data, a scheme for the actions of androgen, progestin, and glucocorticoids involving the participation of 3alpha-HSD is proposed. According to this scheme, in the mechanism of steroid action 3alpha-HSD not only regulates the concentration of the main effector androgen, 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone, in target cells, but also switches androgen, progestin, and glucocorticosteroid genomic activity to non-genomic activity.

Classical 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta5-delta4 isomerase (3beta-HSD) deficiency is a rare form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia that impairs steroidogenesis in both the adrenals and gonads resulting from mutations in the HSD3B2 gene, causing varying degrees of salt-loss in both sexes and incomplete masculinization of the external genitalia in genetic males. To date a total of 34 mutations (including 5 frameshift, 4 nonsense, 1 in-frame deletion, 1 splicing and 23 missense mutations) have been identified in the HSD3B2 gene. Results from functional charaterization studies of the mutant proteins agrees with the prediction that no functional type II 3beta-HSD isoenzyme is expressed in the adrenals and gonads of the patients with the severe salt-losing form, whereas the nonsalt-losing form causes an incomplete loss in enzymatic activity, thereby leaving sufficient enzymatic activity to prevent salt loss. Recent studies have highlighted the fact that various mutations appear to have a drastic effect upon the stability of the protein, therefore providing molecular evidence of a new mechanism involved in classical 3beta-HSD deficiency. Finally, the functional characterization of the missense mutations known to be involved in this autosomal recessive disorder provides valuable information concerning the structure-function relationships of the 3beta-HSD enzyme superfamily.

The study was designed to compare the direct effect of three prolactin-like hormones on steroidogenesis of ovine luteal cells collected at day 40-45 of pregnancy. 100 ng/ml of ovine placental lactogen or 100 ng/ml of ovine growth hormone or 100 ng/ml of ovine prolactin were added to the media of luteal cell cultures. After 48 h incubation, all cultures were terminated and the media were frozen until further steroid analysis. To determine to what extent growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL) and lactogen (PL) regulate the activity of 3 beta-HSD, an enzyme involved in progesterone synthesis, the classical steroidal competitive inhibitor of 3 beta-HSD trilostane, was investigated for its effects on basal and GH-, PRL-, and PL-stimulated progesterone biosynthesis since there is a possibility that the luteotropic effect of these hormones are mediated via 3 beta-HSD. oPL resulted in an increase of progesterone secretion in a statistically significant manner, while GH or PRL had no effect on progesterone secretion. A decrease in progesterone secretion as an effect of 100 mM trilostane was observed in all culture types. An explanation for the luteotropic effect of PL and the lack of this effect for GH is that the GH receptor associates with a different molecule within the ovarian tissue and forms a heterodimeric receptor for PL, and the possibility that physiological effects of native oPL may be mediated through its binding to specific PL receptors, which have low affinities for oGH and oPRL.

Prostate cancer will be diagnosed in about 179,300 men in the US in 1999 alone. Some 37,000 individuals die of this disease annually. Prostate cancer is characterized by a substantial racial/ethnic variation in risk: highest in African-American men, lowest in Asian men and intermediate in Caucasian and Latino men. We set out to investigate as our central hypothesis that genetic variants of genes involved in androgen metabolism by themselves and in combination significantly contribute to prostate cancer progression and its racial/ethnic variation. Specifically, we examined the hypothesis that DNA sequence (allelic) variations in the type II (or prostatic) steroid 5alpha-reductase (SRD5A2) gene contribute substantially to the risk and progression of prostate cancer particularly across racial/ethnic lines. The "candidate gene", SRD5A2, was chosen because the reaction product [i.e. dihydrotestosterone (DHT)] of the enzyme encoded by this gene modulates directly cell division in the prostate. DHT binds to the androgen receptor (AR) and the DHT-AR complex leads to the transactivation of a variety of genes which ultimately modulates cell division in the prostate. Epidemiologic evidence suggests that variation in DHT levels play an important role in risk of prostate cancer. Thus, steroid 5alpha-reductase activity encoded by SRD5A2 variant alleles may be important in regulating intraprostatic DHT steady state levels by controlling its biosynthesis. A second candidate gene, the type II 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD3B2) gene, encodes the enzyme that initiates the metabolic inactivation of testosterone (T) to DHT. We have identified allelic variants in this gene as well. Here I review our strategy for identifying candidate genes for prostate cancer, a multifactorial disease. I summarize the significant findings, particularly of allelic variants in the HSD3B2 and SRD5A2 genes and discuss how they by themselves, in combination and through interactions with the environment may play a role in prostate cancer predisposition and its progression. Our approach, a multidisciplinary genomic genetic (GEN GEN) attack on the problem, may be useful in the analysis of other complex phenotypes as well.

The molecular mechanisms involved in luteolysis are still unclear in the primate. This study aimed to investigate the effect of induced luteolysis on the ovarian luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor and the steroidogenic enzyme, 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) in the marmoset monkey. Luteolysis was induced in the mid-luteal phase either directly by systemic prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha), or indirectly by LH withdrawal using systemic gonadotrophin releasing hormone antagonist (GnRHant) treatment. The LH receptor was studied by isotopic mRNA in-situ hybridization and in-situ ligand binding and 3beta-HSD expression was studied using isotopic mRNA in-situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Induced luteolysis was associated with a reduction in the expression of LH receptor (P < 0.0001) and 3beta-HSD mRNA, closely followed by a reduction in the LH receptor (P < 0.05) and 3beta-HSD protein concentrations within 24 h. There were no differences in the findings whether luteolysis was induced with PGF2alpha or GnRHant. This study shows that disparate mechanisms to induce luteolysis in the primate result in an identical rapid loss of the LH receptor and 3beta-HSD. In conclusion, induced luteolysis leads to rapid loss of the steroidogenic pathway in luteal cells.

In sheep, increased output of cortisol from the fetal adrenal gland is critical to organ maturation and parturition. Cortisol synthesis is determined in part by the activity of P450(C17) enzyme. We have used immunohistochemistry and Western immunoblotting to examine the distribution of P450(C17) in the ovine fetal adrenal during gestation, and after ACTH or dexamethasone administration to fetuses between Days 125 and 130. The patterns were compared with changes in 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) localisation and levels. Adrenal tissue was obtained from four fetuses at each of Days 63-65, 100, 125-130 and term (>140 days). Further animals were chronically catheterised and infused with ACTH, dexamethasone or saline for 96 h beginning on Day 125. Immunohistochemistry for P450(C17), 3beta-HSD, and phenylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase (PNMT) was conducted using standard techniques. At Day 63-65 of pregnancy immunoreactive (ir-)P450(C17) was present in cords of cells throughout the adrenal gland. Ir-P450(C17) was reduced or was undetectable at Day 100, but had increased by Day 125-130, and was present throughout the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex of term animals. An increase in P450(C17) protein was also seen between Day 100 and 125 by Western blotting, and after ACTH treatment. Dexamethasone administration led to a marked reduction in ir-P450(C17) levels. In contrast, ir-3beta-HSD was present in the fetal adrenal cortex between Day 100 and term, and was less affected by ACTH or dexamethasone treatment. We conclude that P450(C17) in the fetal sheep adrenal is responsive to regulation by ACTH, and that changes in its levels correlate with previously reported alterations in patterns of cortisol output by the fetal adrenal gland.

Mammalian 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (3 alpha-HSDs) inactivate circulating steroid hormones, and in target tissues regulate the occupancy of steroid hormone receptors. Molecular cloning indicates that 3 alpha-HSDs are members of the aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily and display high sequence identity (> 60%). Of these, the most extensively characterized is rat liver 3 alpha-HSD. X-ray crystal structures of the apoenzyme and the E.NADP+ complex have been determined and serve as structural templates for other 3 alpha-HSDs. These structures reveal that rat liver 3 alpha-HSD adopts an (alpha/beta)8-barrel protein fold. NAD(P)(H) lies perpendicular to the barrel axis in an extended conformation, with the nicotinamide ring at the core of the barrel, and the adenine ring at the periphery of the structure. The nicotinamide ring is stabilized by interaction with Y216, S166, D167, and Q190, so that the A-face points into the vacant active site. The 4-pro-(R) hydrogen transferred in the oxidoreduction of steroids is in close proximity to a catalytic tetrad that consists of D50, Y55, K84, and H117. A water molecule is within hydrogen bond distance of H117 and Y55, and its position may mimic the position of the carbonyl of a 3-ketosteroid substrate. The catalytic tetrad is conserved in members of the AKR superfamily and resides at the base of an apolar cleft implicated in binding steroid hormone. The apolar cleft consists of a side of apolar residues (L54, W86, F128, and F129), and opposing this side is a flexible loop that contains W227. These constraints suggest that the alpha-face of the steroid would orient itself along that side of the cleft containing W86. Site-directed mutagenesis of the catalytic tetrad indicates that Y55 and K84 are essential for catalysis. Y55S and Y55F mutants are catalytically inactive, but still form binary (E.NADPH) and ternary (E.NADH.Testosterone) complexes; by contrast K84R and K84M mutants are catalytically inactive, but do not bind steroid hormone. The reliance on a Tyr/Lys pair is reminiscent of catalytic mechanisms proposed for other AKR members as well as for HSDs that belong to the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) family, in which Tyr is the general acid, with its pKa being lowered by Lys. Superimposition of the nicotinamide rings in the structures of 3 alpha-HSD (an AKR) and 3 alpha, 20 beta-HSD (an SDR) show that the Tyr/Lys pairs are positionally conserved, suggesting convergent evolution across protein families to a common mechanism for HSD catalysis. W86Y and W227Y mutants bind testosterone to the E.NADH complex, with effective increases in Kd of 8- and 20-fold. These data provide the first evidence that the side of the apolar cleft containing W86 and the opposing flexible loop containing W227 are parts of the steroid-binding site. Detailed mutagenesis studies of the apolar cleft and elucidation of a ternary complex structure will ultimately provide details of the determinants that govern steroid hormone recognition. These determinants could provide a rational basis for structure-based inhibitor design.

Steroidogenesis in the gonad of the protandrous sea bass, Lates calcarifer, was examined in vitro in spermiating testis, previtellogenic ovary, and transitional gonads. Gonadal tissues were incubated with tritiated androstenedione. Metabolites were analyzed by thin-layer chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, microchemical reactions, and crystallization to constant specific activity. 17 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 5 beta-reductase, and 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities were found in all of the sex types. On the other hand, 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 11 beta-hydroxylase activities were found only when testicular tissue was present, i.e., in testis and early transitional gonad. A low aromatase activity leading to estrone synthesis was detected in the previtellogenic ovary. In late transitional gonads, a major metabolite (metabolite X) was suggestively identified as a 3-ester of 17 beta-estradiol according to its chemical and immunological characteristics. Levels of 17 beta-estradiol (E2), the metabolite X, testosterone (T), and 11-ketotestosterone (11KT) were also measured by radioimmunoassay in plasma, before (January and February) and during (March and April) the sex inversion process. Plasma E2 was virtually undetectable (means below 25 pg/ml), although higher levels of metabolite X were found in transitional fish (485 +/- 432 pg/ml in March). Throughout this period, plasma levels of T and 11KT and the androgens/estrogens ratio were significantly higher in males than in transitional fish, where these levels decreased during the sex inversion period. The level of in vitro synthesis of metabolite X was high in transitional gonads, but their concentrations were very low (0.07 +/- 0.09 ng of equivalent E2/g in transitional gonads against 0.22 +/- 0.37 ng of equivalent E2/g in testes and 2.16 +/- 2.7 ng of equivalent E2/g in ovaries).

Rat liver 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid/dihydrodiol dehydrogenase (3 alpha-HSD/DD) is a member of the aldo-keto reductase gene superfamily. It displays high constitutive expression and inactivates circulating steroid hormones and suppresses the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon anti- and syn-diol-epoxides (ultimate carcinogens). To elucidate mechanisms responsible for constitutive expression of the 3 alpha-HSD/DD gene a rat genomic library obtained from adult Sprague-Dawley female liver (HaeIII partial digest) was screened, using a probe corresponding to the 5'-end of the cDNA (-15 to +250), and a 15.8-kb genomic clone was isolated. Sequencing revealed that 6.3 kb contained exon 1 (+16 to +138 bp) plus additional introns and exons. The transcription start site (+1) was located by primer extension analysis, and the initiation codon, ATG, was located at +55 bp. The remaining 9.5 kb represented the 5'-flanking region of the rat 3 alpha-HSD/DD gene. A 1.6-kb fragment of this region was sequenced. A TATTTAA sequence (TATA box) was found at 33 bp upstream from the major transcription start site. cis-acting elements responsible for the constitutive expression of the rat 3 alpha-HSD/DD gene were located on the 5'-flanking region by transient transfection of reporter-gene (chloramphenicol acetyl transferase, CAT) constructs into human hepatoma cells (HepG2). CAT assays identified the basal promoter between (-199 and +55 bp), the presence of a proximal enhancer (-498 to -199 bp) which stimulated CAT activity 6-fold, the existence of a powerful silencer (-755 to -498 bp), and a strong distal enhancer (-4.0 to -2.0 kb) which increased CAT activity by 20-40-fold. A computer search of available consensus sequences for trans-acting factors revealed that a cluster of Oct-sites were uniquely located in the silencer region. Using the negative response element (-797 to -498 bp) as a probe and nuclear extracts from HepG2 cells, three bands were identified by gel mobility shift assay, indicating the presence of protein binding sites in this proposed negative response element. All three bands were supershifted with anti-Oct-1 mAb, suggesting that Oct-1 may be the repressor. The 5'-flanking region also contained an AP-1 site, an estrogen response element, and a glucocorticoid response element, which together may comprise a steroid response unit.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

It is well known that gonadotropin controls a major part of follicular development. However, the mechanism of local regulation under the control of gonadotropins in still unclear. In this study, we focused on the local regulation of steroidogenesis, growth factors and cell proliferation to evaluate the human follicular development. To assess steroidogenesis, it is important to detect the expression of steroidogenic enzymes in the granulosa and theca cells during folliculogenesis. We initially tried to find out the transcription factor Ad4BP that binds the Ad4 site and regulates the function of steroidogenic enzyme. By immunohistochemistry, the expression of Ad4BP was confirmed sporaf1p4lly in preantral granulosa cells. In the antral follicles, the expression of Ad4BP was observed both in the granulosa and theca cell. According steroidogenic enzyme, we evaluated temporal and spatial localization of cholesterol side chain cleavage (scc), 3 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta HSD), 17 alpha hydroxylase (17 alpha) and aromatase, and steroid receptors. In briefly, the localizations of scc, 3 beta HSD and 17 alpha were observed in preantral follicles and the mRNA expressions of these enzymes were confirmed in the theca cell by in situ hybridization method. Expression of aromatase was generally observed in only one follicle (antral or mature follicle) per case in mid proliferative to premenstrual phase. The localization of androgen and estrogen receptor was observed in the antral follicle granulosa cells, and estrogen receptor was detected only in aromatase positive follicles. These results suggested that Ad4BP initially controls the function of steroidogenic enzymes and steroidogenic enzymes gradually express from primary follicles to mature follicles. At antral follicle stage, steroid metabolism completes to produce testosterone. When aromatase and estrogen receptor express in antral follicle, this antral follicle develops as the dominant follicle and produces estradiol to promote follicle maturation. We therefore speculate that the expression of aromatase and estrogen receptor have an important role for the selection of dominant follicle in human. According growth factors for follicular development, it has been demonstrated to be important in the biological activity in the ovary. In this study, we examined the localization of EGF, TGF alpha and their receptor (EGFR). The localization of EGF was not confirmed both mRNA and protein level through follicular development. On the other hand, the localization and expression of TGF alpha was confirmed in theca cells and EGFR in granulosa cells at antral stage.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

In addition to the classical steroidogenic tissues, namely the ovaries, testes, adrenals and placenta, a large series of human peripheral tissues possess all the enzymatic systems required for the formation of active androgens and oestrogens from a relatively large supply of precursor steroids provided by the adrenals. This chapter describes the structure, function, tissue-specific expression and regulation of the 3 beta-HSD and 17 beta-HSD gene families as well as some information about the aromatase gene. While, so far, most therapeutic approaches have been aimed and limited at controlling steroid formation by the classical steroidogenic tissues, it is clear that major efforts should now be turned towards intracrinology in order to understand better the physiological mechanisms controlling local steroid formation in peripheral target tissues and thus be in a position to develop novel therapeutic approaches that take into account the high proportion of steroids that are made locally and are responsible for the growth and function of normal as well as cancerous tissue.

In the bile acid biosynthetic pathways of humans and the rat, hepatic 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 alpha-HSDH) catalyzes the stereospecific reduction of the 3-oxo group of bile acid precursors. In addition, 3 alpha-HSDH may serve to shuttle bile acids from sinusoidal to apical (cannalicular) membranes of the rat hepatocyte. The objective of the present study was to define the molecular regulation of rat hepatic 3 alpha-HSDH in response to the key effectors of cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase, the rate-determining enzyme in bile acid biosynthesis. Steady-state 3 alpha-HSDH mRNA levels in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes fell to 16 +/- 1% of whole liver levels after 72 h in culture, indicating that the gene is not spontaneously expressed in isolated hepatocytes. However, the addition of thyroxine (1.0 microM) or dexamethasone (1.0 microM) to the culture medium resulted in steady-state mRNA levels of 34 +/- 4% and 102 +/- 20% of whole liver levels, respectively. Moreover, the combination of thyroxine and dexamethasone (each 1.0 microM) induced mRNA to levels 2-fold higher than whole liver. 3 alpha-HSDH specific activity in cultured hepatocyte cytosol increased from 3.0 +/- 0.7 to 10.4 +/- 1.3 nmol/min per mg protein in no-addition and thyroxine plus dexamethasone-treated cultures, respectively; protein mass underwent similar changes. Whole liver 3 alpha-HSDH mRNA levels decreased in thyroidectomized, adrenalectomized, and hypophysectomized rats, to 60 +/- 6%, 51 +/- 4%, and 29 +/- 5% of sham-operated rats, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

An initial group of term (36-41 6/7 weeks), preterm (less than 36 weeks), and post-term (42 or more weeks) placentae were collected from women at delivery to determine the placental levels of important steroids and steroidogenic enzymes involved in the oestrogen synthesis pathway as a function of gestational age. A second group of placentae were obtained from women delivering at term before and after the onset of labour. Placentae were evaluated individually for cytosolic steroid hormone levels and microsomal steroidogenic enzyme activities. Oestradiol (E2), oestrone (E1), progesterone (P), and delta-4-androstenedione (A) were measured by radioimmunoassay in placental cytosols. Aromatase (AR), sulphatase (S), and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase (3 beta HSD) activities were assayed in placental microsomes. Cytosolic concentrations of E1, E2, P, and A did not differ with respect to gestational age. Correspondingly, the microsomal enzyme activities of 3 beta HSD, S, and AR did not vary as a function of gestational age. However, when patients at term who were in labour prior to delivery were compared to those who were not, the placental cytosolic level of E1 was found to be threefold higher in the non-labouring group (4572 versus 1427 pg/mg cytosolic protein, P < 0.025). Additionally, microsomal aromatase activity was also significantly higher in the non-labouring patients (46 versus 19 pM/min/mg protein, P < 0.025), while the E2 to P ratio in the labouring patients was twice that of the non-labouring group, a difference which was significant at the P < 0.025 level (Wilcoxon rank sum test). These data suggest that at term, prior to labour, the placental production of E1 by AR is high, and that AR activity and E1 levels fall significantly after the onset of labour. Also, the placental cytosolic concentration of the more active oestrogen, E2, demonstrates stable to rising levels with a significant increase in E2/P after the onset of labour. We theorize that in the term pregnancy prior to labour, E1 may represent a large but relatively inactive intracellular oestrogen pool which is maintained by high AR activity, and may function to protect the pregnant local uterine environment from the more oxytocic effects of E2.

Testosterone secretory capacity of testicular Leydig cells was determined in fetal males of an aggressive and a nonaggressive genetic selection line of wild house mice. They were studied at Days 15-18 of gestation and on the first day after birth. A previously described morphometric method was used to quantify 3 beta-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD)-stained Leydig cells in testicular sections to determine testosterone secretory capacity, which may be considered to reflect circulating plasma testosterone in the fetus. The results of this study show that the testosterone secretory capacity of Leydig cells in the testis changes differentially during intrauterine development in males of the aggressive and nonaggressive selection lines. The peak secretory capacity is reached at Day 17 of gestation for the males of the aggressive selection line, while the peak for the nonaggressive males is reached on the first neonatal day. The larger anogenital distance observed in aggressive males suggests a higher prenatal testosterone level in these males. The importance of the difference in timing of the perinatal 3 beta-HSD peak top individual variation in adult aggressive behavior is discussed.

Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) is a rare but an interesting adrenocortical disorder associated with ACTH-independent hypercortisolism. We have studied eight cases of the adrenals with PPNAD by immunohistochemistry of all steroidogenic enzymes involved in cortisol biosynthesis (P-45scc, 3 beta-HSD, P-450c21, P-45017 alpha, and P-45011 beta) and also by performing in situ hybridization of P-45017 alpha in seven cases in order to localize the sites of specific steroidogenesis in this unique disorder. Immunoreactivity of all the enzymes examined was intense in almost all of the cells in adrenocortical nodules, especially the cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm in all the cases examined. The internodular cortex, which demonstrated atrophy in five cases, normal appearance in two cases and hyperplasia in one case, was negative for the enzymes with an exception of 3 beta-HSD. Hybridization signals of P-45017 alpha were condensed over the nodules in in situ hybridization study, suggestive of an increased production of the enzyme itself in cortical cells of the nodules. These results may be consistent with autonomous cortisol production by the nodular cells and indicate that almost all of the cells in the nodules produce cortisol, which can also explain the presence of hypercortisolism despite small sizes of adrenals in PPNAD. Immunoreactivity of steroidogenic enzymes is observed in a small cluster of cortical cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm located at the zona reticularis but not in adjacent non-nodular cortex, which may support an abnormal development of the zona reticularis as a possible pathogenesis of this disorder.

We have previously suggested that in porcine granulosa cells, a putative intermediate, 5(10)-oestrene-3,17-dione is involved in 4-oestrene-3,17-dione (19-norandrostenedione; 19-norA) and 4-oestren-17 beta-ol-3-one (19-nortestosterone: 19-norT) formation from C19 aromatizable androgens. In this study, luteal cells prepared from porcine, bovine and rat corpora lutea by centrifugal elutriation were used as a source of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase in order to investigate the role of this enzyme in the biosynthesis of 19-norsteroids. Small porcine luteal cells made mainly 19-norT and large porcine luteal cells 19-norA from 5(10)-oestrene-3 beta,17 beta-diol, the reduced product of the putative intermediate 5(10)-oestrene-3,17-dione. However, neither small nor large cells metabolized androstenedione to 19-norsteroids. Serum and serum plus LH significantly stimulated formation of both 19-norA and 19-norT from 5(10)-oestrene-3 beta,17 beta-diol, compared with controls. Inhibitors of the 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase (trilostane and cyanoketone) significantly reduced formation of 19-norT in small porcine luteal cells and 19-norA in large porcine luteal cells, although they were effective at different concentrations in each cell type. In parallel incubations, formation of [4-14C]androstenedione from added [4-14C]dehydroepiandrosterone was also inhibited by cyanoketone in both small and large porcine luteal cells in a dose-dependent manner; however, trilostane (up to 100 mumol/l) did not inhibit androstenedione formation in large porcine luteal cells. In addition, the decrease in progesterone synthesis induced by trilostane and cyanoketone (100 mumol/l each) was accompanied by a parallel accumulation of pregnenolone in both cell types. These results suggest that 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase, or a closely related enzyme, present in small and large porcine luteal cells can convert added 5(10)-3 beta-hydroxysteroids into 19-nor-4(5)-3-ketosteroids in vitro. In the porcine ovarian follicle, therefore, formation of 19-norA from androstenedione can be envisaged as a two-step enzymatic process: 19-demethylation of androstenedione to produce the putative intermediate 5(10)-oestrene-3,17-dione, and subsequent isomerization to 19-norA. In contrast to granulosa cells, porcine luteal cells synthesized 19-norA or 19-norT only when provided with the appropriate substrate. Unfractionated rat luteal cells also metabolized 5(10)-oestrene-3 beta,17 beta-diol to a mixture of 19-norA and 19-norT; conversion was inhibited by trilostane. In addition, small bovine luteal cells synthesized mainly 19-norT and formation was also inhibited by trilostane and cyanoketone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The maintenance of optimal steroidogenesis in adrenocortical cells primarily depends on the chronic action of ACTH to promote the synthesis of the various steroid metabolizing enzymes. In the steroidogenic pathway, the ratio of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) to 17 alpha-hydroxylase cytochrome P450 (P-450(17 alpha)) plays a key role in determining the final steroid products released by adrenal cells. The differences in these enzymes are particularly important when one considers the adrenal zones and the secretion of the zone-specific steroids. In the present study we have investigated the regulation of 3 beta HSD with regard to its enzyme activity, levels of protein and changes in specific mRNA encoding for this enzyme. Following eight days in primary culture, bovine adrenocortical (BAC) cells were found to respond to both ACTH and Bu2 cAMP by increased cortisol production. In addition, 3 beta HSD activity, enzyme protein and mRNA levels were increased in response to both factors. The increases varied from 2-fold for activity to 5-7 fold for mRNA. ACTH and Bu2cAMP also greatly increased P-450(17 alpha) from the near undetectable levels in control cells. In order to examine the possibility of differential regulation of these adrenal steroidogenic enzymes we determined the effects of angiotensin II (A-II) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) on the levels of these enzymes. Both of these factors decreased the ACTH-stimulated levels of P-450(17 alpha) enzyme and mRNA to near nondetectable levels observed within control cells. In addition, these compounds inhibited the ACTH induction of 3 beta HSD. While the mechanism of TGF beta action is not clear, A-II probably is acting through protein kinase C. Indeed the protein kinase C activating phorbol ester, TPA, mimicked the inhibitory effects of A-II on 3 beta HSD and P450(17 alpha). It is important to point out, however, that the effects of A-II and TGF beta on P450(17 alpha) activity appeared more pronounced than their action of 3 beta HSD. This observation may relate to the relative stability of 3 beta HSD as compared to P450(17 alpha). Taken together these data indicate that, while A-II and TGF beta each decrease the levels of steroid-metabolizing enzymes, a differential regulation is observed in that P-450(17 alpha) protein and activity levels are much more sensitive to treatment with these factors.

We examined the effect of restraint stress (3 hr) on plasma LH and testosterone levels, on the Leydig cell LH/hCG receptor, and on the activity of enzymes in the testicular steroidogenic pathway of the adult rat. Restraint stress caused a 47% reduction in plasma testosterone concentrations, but had no effect on plasma LH levels. The binding capacity and affinity of Leydig cell LH/hCG receptors were not affected by restraint. Stress did not affect the testicular activity of 20,22 desmolase or 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, but testicular interstitial cells of stressed rats incubated in vitro with progesterone as a substrate produced more 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone but less testosterone than control cells, and when incubated with 17 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone, produced 39% less androstenedione and 40% less testosterone than control cells. These results suggest that restraint stress inhibited 17,20 desmolase but not 17 alpha-hydroxylase activity. When the delta 4 pathway was blocked with cyanoketone (3 beta-HSD inhibitor), stress did not alter the production of pregnenolone or 17 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone, but the production of dehydroepiandrosterone by cells from stressed rats was subnormal, suggesting again a reduction of 17,20 desmolase activity. The data suggest that a major site of the inhibitory action of restraint stress on testicular steroidogenesis is the 17,20 desmolase step. The disruption of androgen production by restraint appears to be LH independent since stress did not affect plasma LH levels, the binding capacity or affinity of LH/hCG receptors, or the activity of 20,22 desmolase.

Immunization of female rats with crude preparations of delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase combined with complete Freund's adjuvant resulted in suppression of the endogenous enzyme activity in the ovarian interstitial tissue and the corpora lutea. As a result, estrous cyclicity, nidation, or maintenance of pregnancy was adversely affected in proportion to the level of the antibody to the enzyme following the series of immunizations. On the basis of the biologic response, it can be assumed that progesterone synthesis was reduced as a result of neutralization of enzyme action in the ovary by the formation of antibodies to the delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Further studies are required to verify this assumption.