Publication Abstract

In vitro synthesis of 20alpha-reduced and of 11- and 21-oxygenated steroids and their sulphates by testes of the goldfish , Carassius auratus: testicular synthesis of corticosteroids

In vitro synthesis of 20alpha-reduced and of 11- and 21-oxygenated steroids and their sulphates by testes of the goldfish, Carassius auratus: testicular synthesis of corticosteroids

D.E. Kime and A.P. Scott

Testes from spermiating goldfish were incubated with ³H 17-hydroxyprogesterone. The major products in the unconjugated fraction were identified as androstenedione, androstenetrione, 11- beta -hydroxyandrostenedione, 11-ketotestosterone, 17,20 alpha -dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20 alpha P) and 11-deoxycortisol. Testosterone was present predominantly in the glucuronide fraction, but yields were low (1-3%). The major components of the sulfate fraction were 17,20 alpha P and 11-deoxycortisol. The identification of cortisone in low yield (< 2.5%) in both the free and sulfate fractions is the first report of corticosteroid biosynthesis by a teleost testis. The high yields of 17,20 alpha P and 11-deoxycortisol and their sulphates suggests that their possible role in spermiation of the goldfish should be further investigated.

Reference:

D.E. Kime and A.P. Scott, 1993. In vitro synthesis of 20alpha-reduced and of 11- and 21-oxygenated steroids and their sulphates by testes of the goldfish, Carassius auratus: testicular synthesis of corticosteroids. Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, 11: 287-292.

D.E. Kime and A.P. Scott*

Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, 11: 287-292