Abstract
Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis was carried out to identify steroids and steroid glucuronides in the seminal vesicle fluid of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, collected in the Hula nature reserve (Israel) during the breeding season. Full mass spectra of 5β-pregnane-3α,17α-diol-20-one and cholesterol were obtained. After treatment with β-glucuronidase the following steroid glucuronides were determined by full mass spectra of the corresponding free steroids: etiocholanolone, 5β-androstane-3α,17β-diol-11-one, 5β-pregnane-3α,17α-diol-20-one, and cholesterol. Furthermore, after selected ion monitoring the following steroids and steroid glucuronides could be detected by the presence of at least two characteristic ions at the expected retention time: 5β-androstane-3β,17β-diol, 5β-androstane-3α,17β-diol, etiocholanolone, 5β-androstane-3α,17β-diol-11-one, testosterone, 5β-androstane-3α,17β-diol-glucuronide, and testosterone-glucuronide. These results agree with the hypothesis that steroid glucuronides, synthesized by the seminal vesicles, are excreted with the seminal vesicle fluid into the external environment, where they might function as sex pheromones.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
