In vitro progesteronematabolism by selected brain areas, pituitary gland and tests of the adult male cat.

Abstract

Abstract This study was conducted to define the pattern of in vitro metabolism of [3H]-progesterone by the adult cat reproductive system involving the following structures: selected brain areas implicated in reproductive physiology, anterior pituitary, and the testes. Tissues were incubated with radiolabeled progesterone, and the formed metabolites were separated, isolated, and purified by sequential paper chromatography, and further identified by derivative formation and isotopic dilution and recrystallization. All tissues used in this experiment converted progesterone to androgens, indicating the presence of 17 α-hydroxylase, 17, 20-desmolase and 17 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase; some tissues also demonstrated a capacity to produce estrogens, showing the presence of the aromatizing enzyme system; yet, no 5α-reduced androgens were detected in any of the incubations. These transformations in neuroendocrine tissues may provide further evidence concerning the possible role of androgens and estrogens in central reproductive physiology and sexual behavior.