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Molecular cloning and expression of a guinea pig 3-hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase distinct from chiral-specific 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase.

A guinea pig adrenal hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase (gpHST2) has been cloned that is distinct from guinea pig hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase that stereoselectively acts on 3 alpha-hydroxylated neutral steroids (gp3 alpha HST, redesignated gpHST1). The deduced amino acid sequences for gpHST1 and gpHST2 are 86% identical; however, whereas gpHST1 selectively acts on 3 alpha-hydroxylated steroids, gpHST2 demonstrates a clear preference (but not exclusive specificity) for 3 beta-hydroxylated steroids suggesting that gpHST2 is similar to a previously reported guinea pig hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase that selectively acts on 3 beta-hydroxylated neutral steroids (gp3 beta HST). Additionally, gpHST2 (33K) is the same size as gp3 beta HST and larger than gpHST1 (32K), contains amino acid sequences identical to peptides obtained from gp3 beta HST and cross-reacts with antibodies raised against purified gp3 beta HST. Nonetheless, gpHST2 can sulfonate both 3 alpha- and 3 beta-hydroxylated neutral steroids, suggesting that either gp3 beta HST does not have the exquisite stereoselectivity previously indicated or this subfamily of hydroxysteroid sulfotransferases is larger than originally thought.

Adrenal Glands↗

3 Alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the ovary of young Mongolian gerbils.

The ovaries of sexually mature, pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) stimulated, 12 week old Mongolian gerbils were investigated morphologically and enzyme histochemically for the appearance of the 3 alpha-hydroxy-steroid and the 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase during the estrous cycle. Up to ovulation, on day 3 of the estrous cycle, the number of vesicular follicles increases continuously. Primarily atretic follicles can be seen on day 4. On day 5 corpora lutea appear, but they degenerate already by day 6. During the entire estrous cycle, 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity can be found in the theca of tertiary follicles and in the interstitial cells, whereas the theca of secondary follicles and the granulosa of healthy follicles do not exhibit any enzyme activity. The activity decreases from day 1 till day 6. The granulosa of atretic follicles and the cells of corpora lutea show only weak activity. It may be significant that the intensity of enzyme activity in the ovary and the estrogen level in the plasma are differently correlated to the estrous cycle.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Determination of serum delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid sulphates by combined high-performance liquid chromatography and immobilized 3 beta,17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in column form.

We studied the use of an immobilized enzyme, covalently bound to aminopropyl-CPG, in the analysis of individual delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid sulphates. A microcolumn with immobilized 3 beta,17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was prepared and used together with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide produced from delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroids by this enzyme was fluorimetrically determined. The immobilized enzyme was sufficiently stable for at least one month or for 180 tests when used repeatedly. A clinical trial demonstrated that this HPLC-immobilized enzyme method is superior to the soluble enzyme method, giving reliable and reproducible results at a low cost.

Adult↗

Human cytosolic 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases of the aldo-keto reductase superfamily display significant 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity: implications for steroid hormone metabolism and action.

The source of NADPH-dependent cytosolic 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) activity is unknown to date. This important reaction leads e.g. to the reduction of the potent androgen 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) into inactive 3beta-androstanediol (3beta-Diol). Four human cytosolic aldo-keto reductases (AKR1C1-AKR1C4) are known to act as non-positional-specific 3alpha-/17beta-/20alpha-HSDs. We now demonstrate that AKR1Cs catalyze the reduction of DHT into both 3alpha- and 3beta-Diol (established by (1)H NMR spectroscopy). The rates of 3alpha- versus 3beta-Diol formation varied significantly among the isoforms, but with each enzyme both activities were equally inhibited by the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug flufenamic acid. In vitro, AKR1Cs also expressed substantial 3alpha[17beta]-hydroxysteroid oxidase activity with 3alpha-Diol as the substrate. However, in contrast to the 3-ketosteroid reductase activity of the enzymes, their hydroxysteroid oxidase activity was potently inhibited by low micromolar concentrations of the opposing cofactor (NADPH). This indicates that in vivo all AKR1Cs will preferentially work as reductases. Human hepatoma (HepG2) cells (which lack 3beta-HSD/Delta(5-4) ketosteroid isomerase mRNA expression, but express AKR1C1-AKR1C3) were able to convert DHT into 3alpha- and 3beta-Diol. This conversion was inhibited by flufenamic acid establishing the in vivo significance of the 3alpha/3beta-HSD activities of the AKR1C enzymes. Molecular docking simulations using available crystal structures of AKR1C1 and AKR1C2 demonstrated how 3alpha/3beta-HSD activities are achieved. The observation that AKR1Cs are a source of 3beta-tetrahydrosteroids is of physiological significance because: (i) the formation of 3beta-Diol (in contrast to 3alpha-Diol) is virtually irreversible, (ii) 3beta-Diol is a pro-apoptotic ligand for estrogen receptor beta, and (iii) 3beta-tetrahydrosteroids act as gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor antagonists.

17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Androgenic 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity of expressed rat type I 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta 5-delta 4 isomerase.

Transient expression in nonsteroidogenic mammalian cells of the rat wild type I and type II 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta 5-delta 4-isomerase (3 beta-HSD) cDNAs shows that the encoded proteins, in addition to being able to catalyze the oxidation and isomerization of delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid precursors into the corresponding delta 4-3-ketosteroids, interconvert 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol (3 beta-diol). When homogenate from cells transfected with a plasmid vector containing type I 3 beta-HSD is incubated in the presence of DHT using NAD+ as cofactor, a somewhat unexpected metabolite is formed, namely 5 alpha-androstanedione (A-dione), thus indicating an intrinsic androgenic 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17 beta-HSD) activity of this 3 beta-HSD isoform. Although the relative Vmax of 17 beta-HSD activity is 14.9-fold lower than that of 3 beta-HSD activity, the Km value for the 17 beta-HSD activity of type I 3 beta-HSD is 7.97 microM, a value which is in the same range as the conversion of DHT into 3 beta-diol which shows a Km value of 4.02 microM. Interestingly, this 17 beta-HSD activity is highly predominant in unbroken cells in culture, thus supporting the physiological relevance of this "secondary" activity. Such 17 beta-HSD activity is inhibited by the classical substrates of 3 beta-HSD, namely pregnenolone (PREG), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), delta 5-androstene-3 beta,17 beta-diol (delta 5-diol), 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol (3 beta-diol) and DHT, with IC50 values of 2.7, 1.0, 3.2, 6.2, and 6.3 microM, respectively. Although dual enzymatic activities have been previously reported for purified preparations of other steroidogenic enzymes, the present data demonstrate the multifunctional enzymatic activities associated with a recombinant oxidoreductase enzyme. In addition to its well known 3 beta-HSD activity, this enzyme possesses the ability to catalyze DHT into A-dione thus potentially controlling the level of the active androgen DHT in classical steroidogenic as well as peripheral intracrine tissues.

17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Luteolytic action of RU486: modulation of luteal 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 20 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities in late pregnant rats.

The effect of the synthetic antiprogestin RU486 on luteal function in late pregnant rats was studied by evaluating the activities of the enzymes 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) and 20 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20 alpha-HSD). RU486 (2 mg/kg) administered to rats on day 18 of pregnancy at 10.00 h induced preterm delivery 26.4 +/- 0.35 h (n = 8) after treatment. Luteal 3 beta-HSD activity increased 24 and 34 h after RU486 injection, but a significant and progressive decrease started at 48 h with the maximal reduction 72 h after RU486 treatment, when compared with controls. Serum progesterone concentration decreased at the time of 3 beta-HSD activity reduction. Interestingly, 20 alpha-HSD activity started to increase 58 h after RU486 injection. The administration of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, diclofenac (1.3 mg/kg), on days 17-19 of pregnancy to RU486-treated rats, delayed abortion and the duration of delivery, and prevented the decrease in 3 beta-HSD and the increase in 20 alpha-HSD activities observed 58 h after antiprogesterone treatment. RU486 administered intrabursally (1 microgram per ovary) on day 20 (14.00-15.00 h) increased 3 beta-HSD and decreased 20 alpha-HSD luteal activities at 18.00 h on day 21 of pregnancy, without modifying serum progesterone concentration, when compared with normal pregnant rats. In conclusion, the luteolytic process after preterm delivery induced by RU486 administration in late pregnant rats is characterized by a decrease in luteal 3 beta-HSD activity and circulating progesterone, which may trigger the increase in luteal 20 alpha-HSD activity. Prostaglandins seems to be involved in the increase of 20 alpha-HSD activity and therefore, in the demise of corpora lutea.

20-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Luteal expression of cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and 20alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase genes in late pregnant rats: effect of luteinizing hormone and RU486.

A decrease in serum progesterone at the end of pregnancy is essential for the induction of parturition in rats. We have previously demonstrated that LH participates in this process through: 1) inhibiting 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) activity and 2) stimulating progesterone catabolism by inducing 20alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20alpha-HSD) activity. The objective of this investigation was to determine the effect of LH and progesterone on the luteal expression of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage (P450(scc)), 3beta-HSD, and 20alpha-HSD genes. Gene expression was analyzed by Northern blot analysis 24 and 48 h after administration of LH or vehicle on Day 19 of pregnancy. StAR and 3beta-HSD mRNA levels were lower in LH-treated rats than in rats administered with vehicle at both time points studied. P450(scc) mRNA levels were unaffected by LH. The 20alpha-HSD mRNA levels were not different between LH and control rats 24 h after treatment; however, greater expression of 20alpha-HSD, with respect to controls, was observed in LH-treated rats 48 h after treatment. Luteal progesterone content dropped in LH-treated rats at both time points studied, whereas serum progesterone decreased after 48 h only. In a second set of experiments, the anti-progesterone RU486 was injected intrabursally on Day 20 of pregnancy. RU486 had no effect on 3beta-HSD or P450(scc) expression but increased 20alpha-HSD mRNA levels after 8 h treatment. In conclusion, the luteolytic effect of LH is mediated by a drop in StAR and 3beta-HSD expression without effect on P450(scc) expression. We also provide the first in vivo evidence indicating that a decrease in luteal progesterone content may be an essential step toward the induction of 20alpha-HSD expression at the end of pregnancy in rats.

20-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Expression of 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and type 2, P450 aromatase, and 20alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes in immature, mature, and pregnant rats.

In the present study, we evaluated the expression and regulation of 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17HSD) type 1 and type 2, cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom), and 20alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20HSD) in mature and pregnant rats. Immunohistochemical analysis of rat 17HSD type 1 showed that the enzyme is exclusively expressed in the granulosa cells of developing, healthy, primary, secondary, and tertiary follicles at all stages of the estrous cycle and pregnancy, and is not detected in the corpora lutea. The data showed that the amount of the enzyme expressed in the follicle increases as follicular maturation progresses and is highest in tertiary and Graafian follicles. However, Northern blot analysis of total RNA from whole ovaries showed a rather constitutive expression of the 17HSD type 1 enzyme. It is evident that compared with P450arom, 17HSD type 1 is more widely expressed in the follicles during the various maturational stages of folliculogenesis. Hence, the data indicate distinct localization, expression, and regulation patterns for 17HSD type 1 and P450arom during the rat estrous cycle and pregnancy. Furthermore, compared with the two estradiol biosynthetic enzymes, a different expression pattern was detected for 20HSD messenger RNA. During the estrous cycle the enzyme was detected in the ovaries throughout the cycle, and in the ovaries of pregnant animals the enzyme showed an expression pattern the opposite of that observed for P450arom. Rat 17HSD type 2, not detected in the ovaries, was constitutively expressed in both female and male liver and small intestine in 21-day-old fetuses up to 6-week-old mature animals. Similarly, in these tissues the enzyme was constitutively expressed in normal cycling and pregnant animals, but it showed increasing expression in the placenta as pregnancy advanced. The relatively constitutive expression of the enzyme at all physiological stages of the animals suggests a general role for the enzyme in the inactivation of circulating sex steroids.

17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Interactions of the stereoisomers of alpha-hydroxytamoxifen with human hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase SULT2A1 and rat hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase STa.

Tamoxifen (TAM) is a nonsteroidal antiestrogenic drug that is widely used for the treatment of estrogen receptor-dependent breast cancer. An increased risk of endometrial cancer in some patients treated with TAM has been linked to the metabolic formation of alpha-hydroxytamoxifen (alpha-OHTAM) and its subsequent sulfation. Alpha-OHTAM has been found to be a substrate for rat and human hydroxysteroid sulfotransferases (STa and SULT2A1, respectively). Since stereochemistry plays an important role in the interactions of hydroxysteroid sulfotransferases with their substrates, we have now investigated the interactions of each of the stereoisomers of alpha-OHTAM with highly purified recombinant STa and SULT2A1. Methods for the preparation of the enantiomers of E- and Z-alpha-OHTAM were developed. When each of the four enantiomers was examined with rat STa, E-(+)-alpha-OHTAM was the only substrate for the enzyme, whereas E-(-)-alpha-OHTAM, Z-(+)-alpha-OHTAM, and Z-(-)-alpha-OHTAM were inhibitors of the sulfation of E-(+)-alpha-OHTAM catalyzed by STa. The dissociation constants for the alpha-OHTAM enantiomers indicated that they bound to STa with similar affinity, but only the E-(+)-enantiomer was a substrate. In contrast to the results obtained with rat hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase STa, all enantiomers of alpha-OHTAM were substrates for the human SULT2A1. Moreover, kcat/Km values with SULT2A1 were higher with the Z enantiomers than with the E enantiomers. As a result of the potential for interconversion of the E and Z geometric isomers upon metabolism, the sulfation of the Z isomers may be of greater concern in human tissues than has been previously assumed.

Animals↗

Effect of ketoconazole on placental aromatase, 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-isomerase and 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.

Ketoconazole, an orally-active, broad spectrum mycotic agent, was shown to inhibit in vitro human placental microsomal aromatase but was without effect on 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-isomerase (3 beta-HSD-I) and 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17 beta-HSD) activities. The Km of placental aromatase for testosterone was 30 +/- 1.1 nmol/l (mean +/- SEM, n = 6). Inhibition (determined by Lineweaver-Burk plot) was non-competitive with respect to substrate with a Ki value of 3.0 +/- 1.4 mumol/l (mean +/- SEM, n = 6). Ketoconazole was without effect on the 3 beta-HSD-I and 17 beta-HSD activities when using [3H] pregnenolone and [3H] oestradiol, respectively, as substrates. Since ketoconazole is known to inhibit cytochrome P-450-dependent enzyme reactions, the results of the present study support the contention that cytochrome P-450 is involved in the aromatisation process.

17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Inhibition of testicular 17 alpha-hydroxylase and 17,20-lyase but not 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-isomerase or 17 beta-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase by ketoconazole and other imidazole drugs.

Ketoconazole, an orally active antifungal drug, is known to inhibit testicular androgen production both in vitro and in vivo. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of ketoconazole and 13 other imidazole drugs on rat testicular microsomal 17 alpha-hydroxylase, 17,20-lyase, 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-isomerase (3 beta-HSD-I) and 17 beta-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase (17 beta-HSOR). The order of decreasing inhibitory effect (determined from Ki values) on 17 alpha-hydroxylase (substrate [3H]progesterone; Km = 89 +/- 0.65 nmol/l; SEM, n = 8) was bifonazole (Ki = 86 +/- 3.3 nmol/l; SEM, n = 4) greater than ketoconazole (160 +/- 4.92) greater than clotrimazole (170 +/- 5.81) greater than miconazole (599 +/- 7.22) greater than econazole (688 +/- 6.98) greater than tioconazole (901 +/- 1.71) greater than isoconazole (1090 +/- 6.96) and on 17,20-lyase (substrate, [3H]17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone; Km = 250 +/- 0.75 nmol/l; SEM, n = 8) was bifonazole (56.5 +/- 3.4) greater than clotrimazole (81.5 +/- 3.1) greater than ketoconazole (84 +/- 3.5) greater than miconazole (243 +/- 6.3) greater than econazole (325 +/- 5.1) greater than tioconazole (505 +/- 5.2) greater than isoconazole (610 +/- 6.34). However, these imidazole drugs did not inhibit the 3 beta-HSD-I or 17 beta-HSOR activities. A common structural feature of the imidazole drugs having an inhibitory effect was the presence of one or more aromatic rings on the imidazole side chain. In contrast, the imidazole drugs having the imidazole ring fused to a benezene ring, i.e. benzimidazoles (astemizole, mebendazole, thiabendazole) and those having an aliphatic side chain on the N-1 of the imidazole ring (carbimazole, metronidazole, nimorazole, tinidazole) did not inhibit 17 alpha-hydroxylase, 3 beta-HSD-I or 17 beta-HSOR enzyme activities. However some did inhibit 17,20-lyase activity but only at high concentrations. The results of the present study suggest that some imidazole drugs may be useful in clinical situations requiring the suppression of androgen production, for example in the treatment of hormone-dependent prostatic cancer.

17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Characterization of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase of human placenta: evidence for the existence of two species of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.

The enzyme, 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase converts the active glucocorticoids cortisol and corticosterone to their inactive 11-oxo metabolites cortisone and dehydrocorticosterone, respectively. The properties of the human placental 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 beta-HSD) were studied. The enzyme was active in the oxidative and reductive directions. pH optimum for 11 beta-dehydrogenase activity was in the range of 7-10 and for 11-oxoreductase it was in the range of 5.5-6.0. The crude placental homogenate was unstable. Reductase activity was more labile than dehydrogenase activity. Removal of cytosol enabled the enzyme to retain activity. 11 beta-HSD a membrane bound enzyme was distributed in all particulate subcellular fractions. Addition of detergent released latent activity of 11 beta-dehydrogenase and inactivated 11-reductase activity. Both corticosterone and cortisol were substrates for the enzyme. The Km value with corticosterone as substrate was much lower than with cortisol. The Km values with cortisone and dehydrocorticosterone were similar.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Expression of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1, P450 aromatase, and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase types 1, 2, 5 and 7 mRNAs in human early and mid-gestation placentas.

The placenta is responsible for the production of progesterone (P) and estrogens during human pregnancy. In this study, the expression of several key steroidogenic enzymes was investigated in different cell types of human placenta during early and mid-gestation by in situ hybridization. 3Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (3beta-HSD1), P450 aromatase (P450arom) and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (17HSD1) were expressed abundantly in syncytiotrophoblast (ST) cells. These three enzymes were also detected in some column cytotrophoblast (CCT) cells. 17HSD5 was found in intravillous stromal (IS) cells in low levels, suggesting that androgens may be synthesized and metabolized in the placenta. 17HSD7 was found in all types of placental cells. Moreover, 17HSD2 was localized in IS cells. The expression level of 17HSD2 gradually increased during pregnancy weeks 7-16, concurrently with the androgen production by the male fetus. The present study provides evidence that CCT and IS cells participate in P and estrogen biosynthesis, in addition to ST cells. 17HSD2 also converts 20alpha-dihydroprogesterone (20-OH-P) to P, whereas 17HSD5 and 17HSD7 inactivate P. Therefore, the action of 3beta-HSD1 and 17HSD2 on P biosynthesis in the placenta is countered by 17HSD5 and 17HSD7, which may provide an optimal level of P for the maintenance and progression of pregnancy.

17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Inhibition of 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3alpha-HSD) activity of human lung microsomes by genistein, daidzein, coumestrol and C(18)-, C(19)- and C(21)-hydroxysteroids and ketosteroids.

Epidemiologic data suggest a relationship between dietary intake of phytochemicals and a lower incidence of some cancers. Modulation of steroid hormone metabolism has been proposed as a basis for this effect. It has been shown that aromatase, 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD) are inhibited by the isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, and by coumestrol. In general, the extent of inhibition has been expressed in terms of IC50-values, which do not give information as to the pattern of inhibition, i.e., competitive, non-competitive, or mixed. Less is known of the effects of these compounds on 3alpha-HSD. The human lung is known to have a high level of 17beta-HSD and 3alpha-HSD activity. During the course of studies to characterize both activities in normal and inflamed lung and lung tumors we noted that 3alpha-HSD activity with 5alpha-DHT of microsomes from normal, adult lung was particularly susceptible to inhibition by coumestrol. To clarify the pattern of inhibition, the inhibition constants Ki and K'i were evaluated from plots of 1/v versus [I] and [S]/v versus [I]. Genistein, daidzein and coumestrol gave mixed inhibition patterns versus both 5alpha-DHT and NADH. In contrast, 5alpha-androstane-3,17-dione and 5alpha-pregnane-3,20-dione were competitive with 5alpha-DHT. NAD inhibited competitively with NADH. Our findings demonstrate that phytochemicals have the potential to inhibit 5alpha-DHT metabolism and thereby affect the androgen status of the human lung. The observation of a mixed inhibition pattern suggests these compounds bind to more than one form of the enzyme within the catalytic pathway.

3-alpha-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase (B-Specific)↗

Effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin coadministration on the activities of ovarian Delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and ovarian and uterine histology in lithium chloride-treated albino rats.

Lithium chloride, a compound with clinical use in bipolar disorder, produces adverse effects on ovarian function in amphibian and rodent models. This study examined the effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin coadministration on ovarian steroidogenic and gametogenic activities in lithium chloride-treated rats. Relative ovarian and uterine weights, ovarian Delta(5)-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities, folliculogenesis, uterine diameter, endometrial and myometrial thickness, and uterine luminal epithelial height were decreased significantly after lithium chloride treatment for 28 days at 1.6 mg/kg/day, the human therapeutic dose. These parameters were unchanged from the control level when subcutaneous (s.c.) human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) at 25 microg/kg/day was coadministered with the lithium chloride. The duration of the oestrous cycle was increased in lithium chloride-treated rat with longer metestrous and diestrous phases. Administration of hCG with lithium chloride prevented these estrous cycle alterations. We conclude that hCG can protect ovarian steroidogenic and gametogenic function after lithium chloride treatment.

17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Histochemical studies of testicular delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase after chronic indomethacin administration in rats pretreated with clomiphene-citrate.

Histochemical studies of testicular delta5-3beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase and 17beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase in sexually immature rats treated chronically with simultaneous Indomethacin and Clomiphene revealed greater inhibition in the enzyme activities when compared to Clomiphene treated animals alone. This suggests prostaglandin-inhibitors may be directly inhibitory to NAD-requiring enzymes involved in testicular steroid biosynthesis.

17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Luteal 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 20alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities in the rat corpus luteum of pseudopregnancy: effect of the deciduoma reaction.

BACKGROUND: In the rat, the maintenance of gestation is dependent on progesterone production from the corpora lutea (CL), which are under the control of pituitary, decidual and placental hormones. The luteal metabolism of progesterone during gestation has been amply studied. However, the regulation of progesterone synthesis and degradation during pseudopregnancy (PSP), in which the CL are mainly under the control of pituitary prolactin (PRL), is not well known. The objectives of this investigation were: i) to study the luteal metabolism of progesterone during PSP by measuring the activities of the enzymes 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3betaHSD), involved in progesterone biosynthesis, and that of 20alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20alphaHSD), involved in progesterone catabolism; and ii) to determine the role of decidualization on progesterone metabolism in PSP. METHODS: PSP was induced mechanically at 10:00 h on the estrus of 4-day cycling Wistar rats, and the stimulus for decidualization was provided by scratching the uterus on day 4 of PSP. 3betaHSD and 20alphaHSD activities were measured in the CL isolated from ovaries of PSP rats using a spectrophotometric method. Serum concentrations of progesterone, PRL, androstenedione, and estradiol were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). RESULTS: The PSP stage induced mechanically in cycling rats lasted 11.3 +/- 0.09 days (n = 14). Serum progesterone concentration was high until day 10 of PSP, and declined thereafter. Serum PRL concentration was high on the first days of PSP but decreased significantly from days 6 to 9, having minimal values on days 10 and 11. Luteal 3betaHSD activities were elevated until day 6 of PSP, after which they progressively declined, reaching minimal values at the end of PSP. Luteal 20alphaHSD activities were very low until day 9, but abruptly increased at the end of PSP. When the deciduoma was induced by scratching the uterus of pseudopregnant animals on day 4 (PSP+D), PSP was extended to 18 +/- 2.2 days (n = 8). In PSP + D rats, serum progesterone and PRL levels, and luteal 3betaHSD activities were higher than in pseudopregnant rats on day 11. Decidualization also prevented the increase in luteal 20alphaHSD activities observed on day 11 of PSP. Administration of the dopaminergic agonist CB154 in PSP + D rats on day 10 of PSP induced a decline in both serum PRL and progesterone on day 11 of PSP, values that were not different from that of pseudopregnant controls. CONCLUSIONS: We have established that during the final period of PSP a decline in progesterone biosynthesis occurs before the increase in progesterone catabolism. We have also shown that decidualization in pseudopregnant rats extends the life of the CL by prolonging the production of pituitary PRL, and by maintaining high 3betaHSD and low 20alphaHSD activities within the CL leading to sustained production of progesterone.

17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta5-->4-isomerase activity associated with the human 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 isoform.

The type 2 isoform of human 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17betaHSD2) efficiently catalyzes the oxidative metabolism of androgens and estrogens, and it is expressed in a large series of human peripheral tissues. To obtain a better understanding of the regulation of local steroid biosynthesis and metabolism in human tissues, we have established a dual steroidogenic activity of the 17betaHSD2 enzyme after transfection of human 17betaHSD2-transfected human embryonic kidney (293) cells. After transient transfection, the metabolism of testosterone, pregnenolone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in intact transfected 293 cells was evaluated by TLC-based radiometric assays. 17betaHSD2-transfected cells converted 91% of testosterone (1 micromol/L) into androstenedione in a 2-h incubation period. In addition, pregnenolone (1 micromol/L) was converted to progesterone (18.5%), whereas DHEA (1 micromol/L) was metabolized to androstenedione (8.3% conversion) in a 15-h incubation period. The kinetics of the 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3betaHSD) and 17betaHSD2 activities using cell homogenate protein of stably transfected 293 cells indicated that the catalytic efficiency (apparent catalytic efficiency = maximum velocity/Km) of this 3betaHSD activity is approximately 2000-fold (pregnenolone as substrate) or 3000-fold (DHEA as substrate) weaker than that of 17betaHSD2 activity. It is noteworthy, however, that the apparent catalytic efficiency of the HSD3B2 gene product is only approximately 50-fold higher than that of the 3betaHSD aspect of the 17betaHSD2 gene product. Pregnenolone or DHEA effectively inhibited 17betaHSD2 activity in a noncompetitive fashion. Furthermore, the potent 5alpha-reductase/3betaHSD inhibitor, 17beta-N,N-diethylcarbamoyl-4-methyl-4-aza-5alpha-androstane-3-one , inhibited neither 3betaHSD nor 17betaHSD2 activities. We conclude that human 17betaHSD2 enzyme exhibits 3betaHSD activity. Notwithstanding that this 3betaHSD activity is reduced compared to 17betaHSD oxidative activity, it may account for at least some of the reports of 3betaHSD activity found in human peripheral tissues that express notable amounts of the 17betaHSD2 isozyme as well as in individuals with severe classic 3betaHSD deficiency.

17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗