Abstract
1. 1. The major conversion products formed by adult guinea pig adrenal homogenates incubated with 14C pregnenolone or 14C progesterone were; 17α, 21-dihydroxy-5β-pregnane-3,20-dione and 17α, 20β,21-trihydroxy-50-pregnane-3-one. Foetuses (30–55 days gestation) and immature animals (1–20 days old) formed cortisol. 2. 2. The amount of 5β-reductase activity increased with age. The total yields of unreduced products were <1% in adults, 80% in foetuses and 40% in immature animals (5–20 days old). With the decrease in Δ 4-3-ketosteroids there was a concomitant increase in 5β reduced products. 3. 3. Gonadectomized animals of pre- or post-puberal age produced steroids of similar yields as controls from the same litters. 4. 4. Treatment of gonadectomized animals with testosterone propionate for periods of 10–14 days increased the weights of seminal vesicles, ventral prostate and uterus by 200%, 80% and 150% respectively. No difference in the yields of conversion products from those of control animals of similar ages was observed. 5. 5. The possibility that the controlling mechanisms for adrenal 5β-reductase activity may differ from those for 5α reduction are discussed.
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