Abstract
The metabolism of progesterone by the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands of female (nonpregnant and pregnant) and male rats was studied. The metabolism was in both sexes significantly greater in submandibular than in sublingual glands. Sex differences were not seen in sublingual glands but less metabolism was found in homogenates and microsomal fractions of female (nonpregnant and pregnant) submandibular glands compared to that of males. The metabolism did not differ between pregnant and nonpregnant female rats. The metabolites were mainly 5α-pregnane-compounds. On the basis of the metabolites identified it can be concluded that rat submandibular and sublingual glands contain at least 3α-, 3β-, 20α- and 20β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 5α-and 5β -steroid hydrogenase and 17α-steroid hydroxylase activity. 5α-steroid hydrogenase activity was significantly higher in all preparations of male submandibular glands than in females. In sublingual glands some enzyme activities showed pregnancy-related decrease.
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.
