Environmental Stress Alters the Developmental Pattern of Δ5 -3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Activity in Leydig Cells of Fetal Rats: A Quantitative Cytochemical Study1

Abstract

was used to determine the effect of subjecting pregnant rats to environmental stress on the activity of -3j3 hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3p-HSD) in Leydig cells of their fetuses. Enzyme activity was measured by microspectrophotometry in individual Leydig cells in cryostat sections of fetal testes on Days 16-21 postconception. Fetuses of stressed mothers lacked the peak of enzyme activity on Days 18 and 19 of gestation that is characteristic of Leydig cells of normal fetuses at this time. In addition, both before and after these 2 days, 3p-HSD