Immunolocalization of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase and cytochrome P450 aromatase in the equine corpus luteum of dioestrus and early pregnancy
in ReproductionSearch for other papers by B. A. Albrecht in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by P. F. Daels in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
The onset of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) secretion in pregnant mares is associated with an increase in luteal androgen and oestrogen production. The luteal cell type(s) responsible for the increased production of androgens and oestrogens has not been identified in the equine corpus luteum. In this study, we examined the pattern of expression of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (P45017α) and cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom) by immunohistochemistry in equine luteal tissue collected during dioestrus (days 7–10; n = 4) and early pregnancy, before (days 29–35; n = 4) and after (days 39–45; n = 4) the onset of endogenous eCG secretion. All luteal cells expressed 3β-HSD, P45017α and P450arom. The distribution of 3β-HSD, P45017α and P450arom did not differ with stage of the reproductive cycle. The intensity of immunohistochemical staining for 3β-HSD did not appear to differ with reproductive stage. In contrast, the intensity of immunostaining for P45017α increased after the onset of eCG secretion. The intensity of immunostaining for P450arom increased during pregnancy before the onset of eCG secretion and diminished after the onset of eCG secretion to the intensity seen in dioestrous corpora lutea. This finding suggests that androgen and oestrogen production is not compartmentalized within the equine corpus luteum. Both large and small luteal cells express the steroidogenic enzymes necessary for oestrogen production, and the intensity of immunostaining for P45017α and P450arom appears to be stage-specific.
Reproduction is committed to supporting researchers in demonstrating the impact of their articles published in the journal.
The two types of article metrics we measure are (i) more traditional full-text views and pdf downloads, and (ii) Altmetric data, which shows the wider impact of articles in a range of non-traditional sources, such as social media.
More information is on the Reasons to publish page.
| Sept 2018 onwards | Past Year | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Text Views | 305 | 218 | 81 |
| PDF Downloads | 96 | 29 | 1 |
Online ISSN: 1741-7899
Print ISSN: 1470-1626
Strengthening biomedical communities
to advance science and health
CONTACT US
Bioscientifica Ltd | Starling House | 1600 Bristol Parkway North | Bristol BS34 8YU | UK
Bioscientifica Ltd | Registered in England no 3190519