Differences in steroid metabolism by testis, prostate and epididymis in the immature and adult possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

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Abstract

  • 1.

    1. Immature possums 126–195 days old and adults over 1 year old were used.

  • 2.

    2. Testicular homogenates from immature possums converted [3H]progesterone to nine different products, of which > 63% were 5α-reduced androstane metabolites.

  • 3.

    3. The major product from adult testis was testosterone in yields > 60%.

  • 4.

    4. While metabolism of [3H]testosterone by the epididymis of immature possum was minimal, in adults 5α-reduced products constituted > 80% of the yield.

  • 5.

    5. In contrast, prostatic tissue from adults converted <4% of [3H]testosterone to 5α-reduced products, while the yields were > 80% from prostates of immature animals.

  • 6.

    6. The results showed that like in rodents, the testis of immature possum has a high 5α-reductase and low 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity, which reverses in the adult state.

  • 7.

    7. The implications of the findings are discussed.

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