Abstract
In vitro steroid metabolism was investigated in Xenopus laevis vitellogenic follicles (0.8 mm ⩽ diameter ⩽ 1.0 mm) and full-grown follicles (diameter ⩾ 1.2 mm); in both classes of follicles pregnenolone was transformed to progesterone and progesterone itself was further metabolized to 4-en-3-ketosteroids. The 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity was restricted to follicular cells. Xenopus laevis follicles catalyze the conversion of androstenedione and testosterone to estradiol-17β and estrone, respectively. Generally 10 to 50 times more estrogens were found to be associated with follicular envelopes. Ovarian follicles also metabolized estrone to estradiol-17β; there was only minimal conversion of estradiol to estrone. In vitro purified Acipenser gonadotropic hormone induced a 60% inhibition of the conversion of androstenedione to estrogens.
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.
