Abstract

We have examined the distribution of progesterone 5α-reductase activity in minces of discrete brain areas from two strains of adult ovariectomized mice known to be differentially responsive to the behavioral effects of exogenously administered 5α-pregnane-3,20-dione (5α-DHP). Minces of freshly dissected midbrain tegmentum (TEG), hypothalamus-preoptic area (HPOA), hippocampus (HIP), and parietal cortex (CTX) were incubated with [4- 14C]progesterone in a Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer solution containing 10 mM glucose for 2 h at 37°C. The [ 14C]5α-DHP produced was identified by comparison with known standards in paper and thin-layer chromatography systems, derivative formation, and recrystallization to a constant 14C/ 3H ratio. We found a 6-fold difference in the extent to which various brain areas formed 5α-DHP. The amount of conversion was similar for both strains of mice. When expressed as picomoles of 5α-DHP formed per 2 h per 20 mg of tissue, the following order of activity was observed: TEG > HPOA > HIP > CTX.

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 call

Disclaimer: 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.