In vitro pregnenolone metabolism by mouse adrenal gland: II-Biosynthesis of androgens.

Abstract

Adrenal gland homogenates from four different strains of mice were incubated with (4-14 C)-pregnenolone and a NADPH generating system. The most important androgen synthesized was dehydroepiandrosterone; testosterone and progesterone were synthesized to a lesser extent and the production of androstenedione was very low. The highest synthetic activities were found in the high mammary tumor strain of mice (C3H x RIII) Fl; they were increased by ovariectomy, particularly when performed at two months of age. In the other strains, they were lower, specially in the low mammary tumor strain C 57 BL. However, the 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase / delta 5, 4 isomerase activity was not modified by ovariectomy in the high mammary tumor strain whereas it was increased in the low mammary tumor strains. These results indicate that the androgen synthesis in mouse adrenal depends on factors such as age, sex, endocrine status (ovariectomy) but also on susceptibility to mammary tumor development.

• Authors: M Edery, S Carreau, M J Simon, M A Drosdowsky
• Journal: Steroids (Steroids) Vol. 39 Issue 2 Pg. 191-200 (Feb 1982) ISSN: 0039-128X [Print] United States
• PMID: 6461948 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Androgens
• Testosterone
• Dehydroepiandrosterone
• Progesterone
• NADP
• Pregnenolone

Topics

• Adrenal Glands (metabolism, physiopathology)
• Androgens (biosynthesis)
• Animals
• Breast Neoplasms (physiopathology)
• Castration
• Dehydroepiandrosterone (biosynthesis)
• Female
• In Vitro Techniques
• Male
• Mice
• NADP (metabolism)
• Pregnenolone (metabolism)
• Progesterone (biosynthesis)
• Species Specificity
• Testosterone (biosynthesis)