Biosythesis of steriods in the central nervous system of amphibians
Feuilloly, L.; Mensah-Nyagan, A.G.; Do-Rego, J.L.; Pelletier, D.; Vaudry, H. (1995). Biosythesis of steriods in the central nervous system of amphibians. Neth. J. Zool. 45(1-2): 224-228
In: Netherlands Journal of Zoology. E.J. Brill: Leiden. ISSN 0028-2960; e-ISSN 1568-542X, meer
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| Auteurs | | Top |
- Feuilloly, L.
- Mensah-Nyagan, A.G.
- Do-Rego, J.L.
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| Abstract |
Distribution and activity of steroid producing enzymes have been studied in the central nervous system (CNS) of the frog Rana ridibunda. Cell bodies containing 3 bèta-hydroxi-steriod dehydrogenase (3 bèta-HSD)-like immunoreactivity were exclusively observed in the preoptic nucleus, the dorsal infundibular nucleus and the dorsal aspect of the ventral infundibular nucleus. Identification of astrocytes with antisera raised agaist GFPA, and oligodendrocytes with antisera against galactocerebroside revealed that 3 bèta-HSD is expressed in frog neurones. Biochemistry showed that hypothalamic slices can convert pregnenolone into 3-ketosteroids including progesterone (P) and 17-hydroxy-progesterone (17OH-P); thesesteroids likely serve as precursors for other neurosteroids. This is the first immunocytochemical localisation of 3 bèta-HSD in the brain and in the first evidence for neurosteroid biosythesis in a nonmammalian vertebrate. |
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