Biochemical and Histochemical Studies on Δ⁵-3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Activity in the Adrenal Glands and Ovaries of Diverse Mammals

Abstract

Quantitative biochemical assays and histochemical studies of Δ5-3β- hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in adrenals and ovaries from animals of various mammalian orders lend support to the thesis of a pathway of steroid biosynthesis that is common to both organs and to all the species, that is, via oxidation of Δ5-3β-hydroxysteroids to Δ4-3-ketosteroids. However, differences exist among the species in the levels of enzymic activity. There are also several interesting species differences in the locations of this activity.