Ontogeny of 3[β‐Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase/Δ5–Δ4 Isomerase (3β‐HSD) in Human Testis as Studied by Immunocytochemistry
Year: 1991
Type: article
Abstract: The enzyme complex 3 beta-hydroxy-5-ene-steroid dehydrogenase/delta 5-delta 4 isomerase (3 beta-HSD) is involved in the biosynthesis of all classes of active steroids, including androgens. To correlate possible changes in 3 beta-HSD with the well-known variations in testosterone secretion during development, the authors localized this enzyme by immunocytochemistry during fetal and postnatal periods of development in the human testis. In the fetal testis, 3 beta-HSD was detected in Leydig cells during the second and third trimester of gestation. In 8-month-old and 11-year-old boys, however, no immunoreaction could be detected in the testis. In pubertal boys, Leydig cells appeared well developed and immunopositive. Since the fluctuations in 3 beta-HSD immunoreactivity are similar to those already observed for androgen secretion, activation of 3 beta-HSD by trophic hormones may play an important role in androgen production during fetal and postnatal development.
Source: Journal of Andrology
Authors: ERIC DUPONT, VAN LUU‐THE, FERNAND LABRIE, GEORGES PELLETIER
Institutions: Centre hospitalier de l'Université Laval, Université Laval
Language: English
Subfield: Reproductive Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4387857322