Abstract
To investigate the effect of experimental protein-calorie malnutrition on rat ovarian function we examined the ovarian weights and activities of the five steroidogenic ovarian enzymes 3 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 β-ol), 17-hydroxylase (17-OH), 17,20-desmolase (17,20-D), 17-ketosteroid reductase (17-KSR), and aromatase in malnourished rats and controls. Adult rats were fed a restricted low protein diet for 30 days, whereas the controls were fed a regular diet ad libitum. Ovarian weights were significantly reduced in the experimental group. There was a significant decrease in the activity of the 3 β-ol enzyme in the malnourished rats as compared to the controls (58.8±2.3 vs 109.5±12 nmol/mg protein/min, P<0.005). The activities of the other enzymes were similar in both groups of animals. The plasma concentration of 17-hydroxypregnenolone and androstenediol, important precursors in the 3 β-ol enzyme reaction, were increased in the malnourished rats (187±20 vs 99±11 ng/dl, P<0.001, and 29±6 vs 13±0.7 ng/dl P<0.02 respectively). We conclude that experimental malnutrition affects rat ovarian steroidogenesis by selectively decreasing the activity of the 3 β-ol enzyme.
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