No description available.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In this study, the influence of rooibos on the catalytic activity of enzymes 17β -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17βHSD3), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 5 (AKR1C3), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (17βHSD2), 5α-reductase type 1 (SRD5A1) and 5α-reductase type 2 (SRD5A2), which catalyse prostate androgen metabolism, was investigated. The activities of both 17βHSD3 and AKR1C3 heterologously expressed in CHO-K1 and HEK293 cells were inhibited significantly by rooibos, with rooibos reducing the conversion of androstenedione (A4) and 11keto-androstenedione (11KA4) to testosterone (T) and 11ketotestosterone (11KT), respectively. The catalytic activity of 17βHSD2 towards T, 11hydroxytestosterone (11OHT) and 11KT was also significantly inhibited by rooibos in transiently transfected HEK293 cells. In transiently transfected HEK293 cells rooibos did not inhibit SRD5A1 while the rate of T conversion to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by SRD5A2 was decreased. Analysis of steroid metabolism in PNT2 cells also suggests that rooibos does not modulate the catalytic activity of endogenously expressed SRD5A towards A4, however, the conversion of T to DHT was reduced. In addition, reductive 17βHSD activity towards A4 was inhibited in the presence of rooibos in both PNT2 and BPH-1 cells. In contrast, the conversion of 11KA4 to 11KT was inhibited in BPH-1, PC-3 and LNCaP cells, with negligible conversion of 11KA4 in PNT2 cells. Interestingly, data suggests inhibition of 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (AKR1C2) activity in the production of androsterone (AST) from 5α–androstenedione (5α-dione), as well as the dehydrogenase reaction of T to A4 in PNT2 cells by rooibos. Androgen metabolism pathways were subsequently investigated in LNCaP cells to determine androgen metabolism by endogenous enzymes. Rooibos resulted in the reduced conversion of A4 in LNCaP cells to the same extent as indomethacin, a known AKR1C3 inhibitor. Rooibos also modulated T, DHT and AST metabolism in LNCaP cells. Furthermore, uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) activity in LNCaP cells was inhibited by rooibos, decreasing T-, DHT– and AST-glucuronide formation. These data prompted subsequent investigations into the influence of rooibos at cellular level, and prostatespecific antigen (PSA) levels were assayed in the presence of rooibos. PSA was significantly inhibited by rooibos in the absence and presence of DHT, suggesting possible interaction of rooibos with the mutated androgen receptor (AR) or estrogen receptor-β (ERβ) expressed in LNCaP cells. Taken together, rooibos inhibited the catalytic activity of key enzymes that catalyse the activation of androgens in the prostate, as well as inhibiting enzymes involved in the conjugation of androgens. At cellular level, PSA levels were also decreased by rooibos, possibly through AR or ERβ interactions – clearly indicating a modulatory role for rooibos in active androgen production. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In hierdie studie was die invloed van rooibos ten opsigte van die katalitiese aktiwiteite van die ensieme 17β-hidroksi-steroïed-dehidrogenase tipe 2, tipe 3 en tipe 5 (17βHSD2, 17βHSD3, AKR1C3), asook 5α-reduktase tipe 1 en tipe 2 (SRD5A1, SRD5A2) ondersoek. Hierdie ensieme is betrokke in die produksie van androgene in die prostaat. Rooibos het die katalitiese aktiwiteit van 17βHSD3 en AKR1C3 in CHO-K1 en HEK293 selle beïnvloed en het vermindere omskakeling van androstenedioon (A4) en 11keto-androstenedioon (11KA4) na testosteroon (T) en 11-ketotestosteroon (11KT), afsonderlik, veroorsaak. Die katalitiese aktiwiteit van 17βHSD2 teenoor T, 11-hidroksie-testosteroon (11OHT) en 11KT was ook beïnvloed in die teenwoordigheid van rooibos in HEK293 selle. Die katalitiese aktiwiteit van SRD5A1 teenoor A4 en T is nie beïnvloed deur rooibos nie, alhoewel dit voorkom asof rooibos die omsettingstempo van T na dihidrotestosteroon (DHT) deur SRD5A2, getransfekteer in HEK293 selle, verminder het. Verdere ondersoeke is in normale prostaat epiteel selle, in die teenwoordigheid van rooibos uitgevoer. Rooibos het geen invloed op die katalitiese aktiwiteit van SRD5A teenoor A4 gehad nie, alhoewel vermindere omskakeling van T na DHT aangetoon kon word. Rooibos het ook die omskakeling van A4 na T in beide PNT2 en BPH-1 selle tot „n mate geïnhibeer. Die omskakeling van 11KA4 na 11KT was ook verminder in BPH-1, PC-3 en LNCaP selle. Die omskakeling van 11KA4 na 11KT was beduidend laer in PNT2 selle en kon die invloed van rooibos nie aangetoon word nie. Bykomende data toon dat rooibos ook die omskakeling van 5α-androstenedioon (5α-dione) na androsteroon (AST), gekataliseer deur 3α-hidroksi-dehidrogenase tipe 3 (AKR1C2), verminder, gesamentlik met die vermindere omskakeling van T na A4, deur 17βHSD2, in PNT2 selle. Hierdie studie het ook ondersoek ingestel, na die metabolisme van androgene in LNCaP selle. Vermindere A4 metabolisme is in die teenwoordigheid van rooibos asook in die teenwoordigheid van indometasien, „n bekende AKR1C3 inhibitor, gevind. Rooibos verminder dus die aktiwiteit van reduktiewe 17βHSD in LNCaP selle. Verandering in die metabolisme van T, DHT en AST in LNCaP selle, in die teenwoordigheid van rooibos, is ook gevind. Verdere ondersoek in LNCaP selle het gewys dat rooibos „n vermindering in die produksie van gekonjugeerde T, DHT en AST veroorsaak. Die studie het die invloed van rooibos op prostaat-spesifieke antigeen (PSA) ook ondersoek. Daar is vasgestel dat rooibos die vlakke van PSA verminder in die afwesigheid en teenwoordigheid van DHT in LNCaP selle. Hierdie resultaat dui op moontlike interaksie van rooibos met die androgeen (AR) of estrogeen-reseptor-β (ERβ), teenwoordig in LNCaP selle. Rooibos het die katalitiese aktiwiteit van ensieme, wat bydra tot androgeen produksie, geïnhibeer, asook die konjugasie van androgene. Op „n sellulêre vlak, het rooibos die vlakke van PSA-sekresie verminder, wat moontlike interaksie met die AR en ERβ aandui. Hierdie bevindings dui daarop dat rooibos wel n rol het om te speel in die modulasie van aktiewe androgene in die prostaat.

The focus of the present thesis was on ultrasonographic, endocrine and molecular characterization of ovarian antral follicular waves in sheep. Transrectal ultrasonography and computer assisted image analysis were used to determine the feasibility of detecting ovulation and the forming corpus luteum (CL) and to non-invasively monitor CL differentiation and growth. High resolution transrectal ultrasonography and hormone measurements were used to assess changes in numbers of small ovarian antral follicles and their relationships to the emergence of follicular waves in cyclic ewes and to correlate pulsatile secretion of gonadotropins with follicular growth in a wave, during the mid to late-luteal phase of the ovine estrous cycle. A series of experiments were conducted, using treatment with injections of ovine follicle stimulating hormone (oFSH) and measurement of serum concentrations of FSH, in cyclic and anestrous sheep, to investigate the existence of follicular dominance. We also evaluated the characteristics of secretory patterns of FSH that are critical for follicular wave emergence, in anestrous ewes. The possible existence of an endogenous rhythm of FSH secretion, independent of ovarian antral follicular dynamics, was studied in ovariectomized ewes. Finally, ovarian antral follicles at defined stages of growth in a follicular wave (based on transrectal ultrasonographic observations) were collected from separate groups of sheep by ovariectomy, to profile the expression patterns of steroidogenic enzymes (3¦Â-HSD, 17¦Á-OH and aromatase) using immunohistochemistry and gray-scale densitometric analysis. <p> The results of the present studies showed that it is possible to detect ovulation and visualize developing CL as early as 12-24 h after ovulation in the ewe. Changes in echotexture of the CL were closely associated with its morphological and functional characteristics, and we concluded that computer assisted image analysis holds promise for the noninvasive monitoring of CL differentiation and growth. Follicles reaching ovulatory diameter (¡Ý 5 mm) emerged and grew in a wave-like pattern in sheep, but without variation in the number of small follicles (1-3 mm in diameter), as seen in cattle. We concluded that all follicles that are recruited to grow beyond 2-3-mm in diameter, to 4-mm diameter in a wave, succeed in reaching an ovulatory diameter of ¡Ý 5 mm in the ewe. The emergence and growth of ovarian antral follicles in follicular waves, in sheep, do not require changes in LH secretion and may perhaps involve changes in the follicular sensitivity to LH. The largest follicle of a wave, in sheep, appears to have limited effects on other small follicles and on the time of emergence of the next follicular wave. Thus, functional dominance, as is present in cattle, may be absent in sheep. An endogenous rhythm for periodic peaks in serum FSH concentrations that is independent of ovarian follicular dynamics may exist in sheep. The expression patterns of steroidogenic enzymes, in the theca and granulosa compartments of antral follicles growing in each follicular wave in the ewe, paralleled serum estradiol concentrations, with the exception of the concentrations of 3¦Â-HSD in granulosa cells, which increased continuously from follicles 3 mm in diameter to the preovulatory follicle after the LH surge. The largest follicle of any follicular wave, irrespective of the stage of the cycle, would appear to be mature enough to ovulate if a gonadotropin surge is provided.

The focus of the present thesis was on ultrasonographic, endocrine and molecular characterization of ovarian antral follicular waves in sheep. Transrectal ultrasonography and computer assisted image analysis were used to determine the feasibility of detecting ovulation and the forming corpus luteum (CL) and to non-invasively monitor CL differentiation and growth. High resolution transrectal ultrasonography and hormone measurements were used to assess changes in numbers of small ovarian antral follicles and their relationships to the emergence of follicular waves in cyclic ewes and to correlate pulsatile secretion of gonadotropins with follicular growth in a wave, during the mid to late-luteal phase of the ovine estrous cycle. A series of experiments were conducted, using treatment with injections of ovine follicle stimulating hormone (oFSH) and measurement of serum concentrations of FSH, in cyclic and anestrous sheep, to investigate the existence of follicular dominance. We also evaluated the characteristics of secretory patterns of FSH that are critical for follicular wave emergence, in anestrous ewes. The possible existence of an endogenous rhythm of FSH secretion, independent of ovarian antral follicular dynamics, was studied in ovariectomized ewes. Finally, ovarian antral follicles at defined stages of growth in a follicular wave (based on transrectal ultrasonographic observations) were collected from separate groups of sheep by ovariectomy, to profile the expression patterns of steroidogenic enzymes (3¦Â-HSD, 17¦Á-OH and aromatase) using immunohistochemistry and gray-scale densitometric analysis. <p> The results of the present studies showed that it is possible to detect ovulation and visualize developing CL as early as 12-24 h after ovulation in the ewe. Changes in echotexture of the CL were closely associated with its morphological and functional characteristics, and we concluded that computer assisted image analysis holds promise for the noninvasive monitoring of CL differentiation and growth. Follicles reaching ovulatory diameter (¡Ý 5 mm) emerged and grew in a wave-like pattern in sheep, but without variation in the number of small follicles (1-3 mm in diameter), as seen in cattle. We concluded that all follicles that are recruited to grow beyond 2-3-mm in diameter, to 4-mm diameter in a wave, succeed in reaching an ovulatory diameter of ¡Ý 5 mm in the ewe. The emergence and growth of ovarian antral follicles in follicular waves, in sheep, do not require changes in LH secretion and may perhaps involve changes in the follicular sensitivity to LH. The largest follicle of a wave, in sheep, appears to have limited effects on other small follicles and on the time of emergence of the next follicular wave. Thus, functional dominance, as is present in cattle, may be absent in sheep. An endogenous rhythm for periodic peaks in serum FSH concentrations that is independent of ovarian follicular dynamics may exist in sheep. The expression patterns of steroidogenic enzymes, in the theca and granulosa compartments of antral follicles growing in each follicular wave in the ewe, paralleled serum estradiol concentrations, with the exception of the concentrations of 3¦Â-HSD in granulosa cells, which increased continuously from follicles 3 mm in diameter to the preovulatory follicle after the LH surge. The largest follicle of any follicular wave, irrespective of the stage of the cycle, would appear to be mature enough to ovulate if a gonadotropin surge is provided.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study describes: • the influence of a methanolic extract of unfermented Rooibos and five major Rooibos flavonoids, aspalathin, nothofagin, rutin, orientin and vitexin, on the activities of key adrenal steroidogenic enzymes - cytochrome P450 17β- hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17A1), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase • the development of a novel UPLC-MS/MS method for the separation and quantification of 21 adrenal steroid metabolites; • the influence of Rooibos and aforementioned flavonoids on adrenal steroid hormone production in H295R cells - a human adrenal carcinoma cell line expressing the enzymes catalysing the production of mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids and adrenal androgens, assayed under both basal (normal) and forskolin-stimulated (stressed) conditions; • the influence of Rooibos on the inter-conversion between cortisol and cortisone by 11βHSD1 and 11βHSD2 expressed in CHO-K1 cells; • the influence of Rooibos consumption on circulating steroid hormone levels and ratios in male Wistar rats; • the influence of Rooibos consumption on circulating steroid hormone levels and ratios in male and female human test subjects at risk for developing cardiovascular disease. (3βHSD2), cytochrome P450 21-hydroxylase (CYP21A2) and cytochrome P450 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1), expressed in non-steroidogenic COS-1 cells; / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie beskryf: • die invloed van metanoliese ekstrakte van ongefermenteerde Rooibos en vyf van die hoof flavonoïedverbindings in Rooibos, aspalatien, notofagien, rutien, oriëntien en viteksien, op die aktiwiteite van ensieme wat steroïedbiosintese in die bynier kataliseer – sitochroom P450 17α-hidroksilase/17,20-liase (CYP17A1), 3β-hidroksisteroïed dehidrogenase (3βHSD2), sitochroom P450 21-hidroksilase (CYP21A2) en sitochroom P450 11β-hidroksilase (CYP11B1), uitgedruk in nie-steroïed produserende COS-1 selle; • die ontwikkeling van ‘n geskikte UPLC-MS/MS metode vir die skeiding en kwantifisering van 21 steroïedmetaboliete in die bynier; • die invloed van Rooibos en die bg. flavonoïede op steroïedproduksie in H295R selle – ‘n menslike bynier kanker sellyn gekenmerk deur die ekspressie van die steroidogeniese ensieme wat die produksie van mineralokortikoïede, glukokortikoïede en bynierandrogene kataliseer, geanaliseer onder beide basale (normale) en forskoliengestimuleerde (gestresde) kondisies; • die invloed van Rooibos op die omeenskakeling tussen kortisol en kortisoon deur 11βHSD1 and 11βHSD2 in CHO-K1 selle; • die invloed van Rooibosinname op vlakke van sirkulerende steroïed hormone en relatiewe verhoudings in die bloed van manlike Wistarrotte; • die invloed van Rooibosinname op sirkulerende steroïed hormoon vlakke en relatiewe verhoudings in die bloed van mans en vrouens met ‘n hoë risiko vir die ontwikkeling van kardiovaskulêre siektes.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Miami University, Dept. of Zoology, 2004. / Title from second page of PDF document. Includes bibliographical references (p. 116-127).

A hiperplasia adrenocortical macronodular primária (PMAH) é uma causa rara de Síndrome de Cushing (SC). Apresenta como características macronódulos funcionantes em ambas as glândulas suprarrenais e uma produção variável de cortisol. Os nódulos apresentam uma produção ectópica de hormônio adrenocorticotrófico (ACTH) tornando a doença independente do ACTH hipofisário. Estudos independentes mostraram que mutações germinativas no gene armadillo repeat cointaining 5 (ARMC5) são uma causa frequente de PMAH. Além dessa mutação parece haver a participação de receptores hormonais ectópicos no córtex suprarrenal, que estimulariam a esteroidogênese e a hiperplasia da glândula. No entanto, os estudos sobre a relação entre o ARMC5 e a participação dos receptores aberrantes na produção de cortisol são incipientes. Portanto, temos como hipótese que as alterações no gene ARMC5 podem estar envolvidas no padrão celular e funcional das células que compõem os nódulos hiperplásicos na PMAH. Desta forma, nossos objetivos foram analisar: 1) a proporção de células espongiformes e compactas em cortes corados com hematoxilina e eosina; 2) a expressão gênica, nas células espongiformes e proteica de ambas as células, do ARMC5, das enzimas esteroidogênicas StAR, 3&#946;HSD2 e CYP17A1, dos receptores da vasopressina (AVP1AR), serotonina (5HT4R) e do peptídeo inibidor gástrico (GIPR) e do ACTH ectópico e 3) a expressão do antígeno de proliferação celular, a proteína PCNA, para análise do padrão de proliferação em cortes histológicos de nódulos de hiperplasias de pacientes que apresentam mutações germinativas, mutações germinativas e somáticas ou não mutação no gene ARMC5. Os resultados mostraram que os nódulos hiperplásicos são compostos, na sua maioria, por células espongiformes, cujo padrão foi independente da presença de mutação. A expressão do ARMC5 nas células espongiformes foi maior em pacientes com mutação, e os receptores ectópicos apresentaram uma expressão maior no tecido de PMAH em relação à adrenal normal. A reação de imunoistoquimica revelou células positivas para a proteína ARMC5 e StAR, em ambos os tipos celulares, enquanto a enzima 3&#946;HSD2 foi predominante nas células espongiformes e a enzima CYP17A1 nas células compactas. A expressão de AVP1AR, 5HT4R, e do ACTH ectópico foi positiva em ambos os tipos celulares e independente da presença ou não da mutação no gene ARMC5, bem como a expressão da proteína PCNA. Portanto, nossos resultados sugerem que a presença ou não de mutações no gene ARMC5 nas hiperplasias não está envolvida no padrão celular das células que compõem os nódulos. O mesmo para a presença dos receptores AVP1AR, 5HT4R e GIPR, do ACTH ectópico e da proteína PCNA. Como conclusão, os resultados dos parâmetros analisados sugerem que as alterações no gene ARMC5 não estão envolvidas no padrão celular e funcional das células que compõem os nódulos hiperplásicos na PMAH, e podem ter o mesmo grau de importância na formação desses nódulos. / The primary macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PMAH) is a rare cause of Cushing\'s Syndrome (SC). It is characterized as macronodules in the adrenal gland and by variable production of cortisol. The nodules present an ectopic production of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) pituitary-independent. Several studies showed that the germ mutations in armadillo repeat cointaining 5 (ARMC5) are a frequent cause of PMAH. In addition, there is a participation of ectopic hormonal receptors in the adrenal cortex, which promotes steroidogenesis and hyperplasia of the gland. However, studies on a relationship between ARMC5 and aberrant receptor involvement in cortisol production are incipient. Therefore, our hypothesis is that ARMC5 gene may be involved in the cellular and functional pattern of the cells in PMAH. Thus, the objectives were to analyzed: 1) the proportion of spongiform and compact cells in sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin; 2) the gene expression in the spongiform cells and the gene and protein expression in both cells types of the ARMC5, the steroidogenic enzymes StAR ,3&#946;HSD2 e CYP17A1, and the ectopic receptors of vasopressin (AVP1AR), serotonin (5HT4R) and gastric inhibitory peptide (GIPR) also the ACTH ectopic and 3) the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) that shows the proliferation pattern in patients PMAH that present germline, germinative and somatic mutations or no mutation in ARMC5 gene. We showed that the hyperplastic nodules are mainly composed by spongiform cells independent of the ARMC5 mutation. The expression of ARMC5 in spongiform cells was higher in patients with mutation, and PMAH tissue have a higher expression of the ectopic receptors when compared with normal adrenal. With the immunohistochemical labeling, we observed the ARMC5 and StAR protein expression in both cell types. The 3&#946;HSD2 enzyme was predominant in spongiform cells and the CYP17A1 enzyme in the compact cells. The expression of AVP1AR, 5HT4R, and ectopic ACTH was positive in both cell types regardless of the presence of the ARMC5 mutation, as well as the expression of the PCNA protein. Therefore, the results suggest that the mutation in ARMC5 is not involved with spongiform and compact cell function. Moreover, the presence of the AVP1AR, 5HT4R and GIPR receptors, the ectopic ACTH and the PCNA protein was not related to the gene mutation. In conclusion, the alterations in the ARMC5 gene are not involved in the cell functional pattern in the PMAH and in the onset of the nodules.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Many studies have been developed to characterize the function of angiotensin-renin system (ARS) in the female reproductive organs. Evidences from the literature have pointed a relevant role of angiotensin II (Ang II) in mammals, through its type 2 receptor (AT2) in oocyte maturation as in ovulation. Nevertheless, the participation of Ang II in other important reproductive features such as steroidogenesis has not been fully clarified. Therefore, the main objective of this work was to detect in vitro the steroidogenic effects of Ang II in theca cells. For that, bovine theca cells were obtained from follicles (larger than 8mm of diameter) collected from a local abattoir and submitted to different treatments in a sequence of experiments. In Experiment 1, Ang II was added to LH-treated (10 ng/ml) theca cells. Experiment 2 employed Ang II, in different concentrations, in addition to insulin (100 ng ̸ml) and LH (100 ng ̸ml). Experiment 3 explored the effects of an Ang II antagonist (saralasin) in theca cells co-stimulated by insulin and LH (both at 100 ng ̸ml). After 24 hours, culture media were collected and evaluated for testosterone and androstenedione levels measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In parallel, gene expression of key steroidogenic enzymes and proteins, respectively, HSD3B2, CYP11A1 e CYP17A1 and STAR were accessed by qRT-PCR, with exception of experiment 1, in which only CYP17A1 was evaluated. Overall, absence of Ang II action was observed in all Ang II doses evaluated. Despite the difference in gene expression for CYP17A1 against controls in experiment 1, neither an increase in androgens levels nor a negative impact of saralasin were detected. Although very important for oocyte maturation and the ovulation, Ang II seems not influence androgen production by theca cells in vitro. In conclusion our results do not support the role for Ang II in thecal steroidogenesis, at least in bovine, as the primary hypothesis of the study. / Diversos estudos vêm sendo desenvolvidos para caracterizar o sistema renina angiotensina (RAS) no aparelho reprodutivo feminino. Evidências da literatura apontam um importante papel da angiotensina II (Ang II), via receptor tipo 2 (AT2), tanto na maturação dos oócitos quanto na ovulação em mamíferos. No entanto, a participação da Ang II em outros aspectos reprodutivos importantes, como a esteroidogênese, ainda não foi completamente elucidada. Desta forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar o efeito in vitro da Ang II nas células da teca cultivadas. Para isso, células da teca bovina foram obtidas de folículos com mais de 8mm de diâmetro de ovários oriundos de abatedouro local e submetidas a diferentes tratamentos em uma sequência de experimentos. No experimento 1, Ang II foi adicionada a células da teca tratadas com LH na dose de 10 ng/ml. No experimento 2, foi utilizada Ang II em diferentes concentrações em adição ao tratamento com insulina (100 ng ̸ml) e LH (100 ng ̸ml). O experimento 3, explorou o possível efeito de um antagonista da Ang II (saralasina) em células da teca co-estimuladas com insulina e LH (ambos em 100 ng ̸ml). Após 24 horas, o meio de cultura foi coletado e avaliado para verificação dos níveis de testosterona e androstenediona aferidos pela técnica de cromatografia líquida de alta performance (HPLC). Em paralelo, a expressão gênica de enzimas e proteínas chaves na esteroidogênese, respectivamente, HSD3B2, CYP11A1 e CYP17A1 e STAR, foram avaliadas por qRT-PCR, com exceção do experimento 1 onde somente a CYP17A1 foi estudada. De maneira geral, não foi observada uma ação da Ang II nas doses utilizadas. Apesar de uma diferença na expressão de CYP17A1 ter sido verificada em relação aos controles, nem o aumento dos níveis de androgênios ou um impacto negativo pelo uso de saralasina foram detectados. Embora reconhecida como muito importante para maturação oocitária e ovulação, a Ang II parece não influenciar a produção de androgênios in vitro. Em conclusão, nossos resultados não demonstraram um papel da Ang II na esteroidogênese tecal, pelo menos na espécie bovina, ao contrário da hipótese original deste estudo.

Os Galea spixii são roedores que tem despertado o interesse de pesquisadores devido ao seu peculiar dimorfismo sexual, uma vez que, as fêmeas possuem a genitália externa com características masculinizadas. O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi estabelecer os parâmetros morfológicos do desenvolvimento e diferenciação sexual de machos e fêmeas durante o período intrauterino e as possíveis fontes de produção de hormônios andrógenos e estrógenos durante a gestação. Foram utilizados conceptos provenientes de 30 fêmeas gestantes. Foi descrita a concentração hormonal das gestantes. Em seguida, os órgãos genitais dos conceptos foram analisados macroscopicamente e microscopicamente. E, para detectar possíveis fontes de andrógenos e estrógenos, as placentas, ovários e testículos foram submetidos a técnicas imunológicas de detecção de enzimas esteroidogênicas. Aos 25 dias de gestação (DG) se inicia o processo de diferenciação sexual das gônadas (para formar os ovários ou os testículos) e da genitália externa. O tubérculo genital sofre a canalização da uretra aos 30 DG para formar o pênis nos machos e aos 40 DG para formar o clitóris das fêmeas. Nos machos, a partir dos ductos mesonéfricos, se diferenciam os ductos epididimários e os ductos deferentes. Nas fêmeas, os ductos paramesonéfricos formam as tubas e cornos uterinos, o útero parcialmente duplo e a porção cranial da vagina. A porção caudal se origina do seio urogenital e a membrana de oclusão vaginal, da membrana urogenital. Também ficou demonstrado que, a concentração de testosterona sofre grande aumento, dos 25 DG até o final da gestação e que o mesmo não ocorre com o estradiol. Os resultados para detecção de enzimas esteroidogênicas sugerem que, a placenta pode ser o órgão que atua na produção de hormônios andrógenos e pode não realizar a conversão desses hormônios em estrógenos, devido à ausência da enzima responsável por este processo. Por fim, os testículos e ovários também podem contribuir com a produção dos principais andrógenos e o ovário também possui a enzima necessária para a produção de estrógenos. / Galea spixii are rodents that have aroused the interest of researchers because of their peculiar sexual dimorphism, since females have the external genitalia with masculinized characteristics. The aim of the present research was to establish the morphological parameters of the development and sexual differentiation of males and females during the intrauterine period and the possible sources of androgen and estrogen hormones production during pregnancy. Concepts from 30 pregnant females were used. The hormonal concentrations of pregnant were described. Then, the genital organs of the concepts were analyzed macroscopically and microscopically. And, to detect possible sources of androgens and estrogens, placentas, ovaries and testes were subjected to immunological techniques for the detection of steroidogenic enzymes. At 25 days of gestation (DG) the process of sexual differentiation of the gonads (to form the ovaries or testicles) and the external genitalia begins. The genital tubercle undergoes channeling of the urethra at 30 DG to form the penis in males and at 40 DG to form the clitoris of females. In males, the epididymal ducts and the vas deferens differentiate from the mesonephric ducts. In females, the paramesonephric ducts form the uterine tubes and horns, the partially double uterus and the cranial portion of the vagina. The caudal portion originates from the urogenital sinus and the vaginal closure membrane originates from the urogenital membrane. It has also been shown that the testosterone concentration is greatly increased from 25 DG until the end of gestation and that the same does not occur with estradiol. The results for the detection of steroidogenic enzymes suggest that the placenta may be the organ that acts in the production of androgen hormones and may not perform the conversion of these hormones into estrogens due to the absence of the enzyme responsible for this process. Finally, the testicles and ovaries can also contribute to the production of the main androgens and the ovary also has the enzyme necessary for the production of estrogens.

Os Galea spixii são roedores que tem despertado o interesse de pesquisadores devido ao seu peculiar dimorfismo sexual, uma vez que, as fêmeas possuem a genitália externa com características masculinizadas. O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi estabelecer os parâmetros morfológicos do desenvolvimento e diferenciação sexual de machos e fêmeas durante o período intrauterino e as possíveis fontes de produção de hormônios andrógenos e estrógenos durante a gestação. Foram utilizados conceptos provenientes de 30 fêmeas gestantes. Foi descrita a concentração hormonal das gestantes. Em seguida, os órgãos genitais dos conceptos foram analisados macroscopicamente e microscopicamente. E, para detectar possíveis fontes de andrógenos e estrógenos, as placentas, ovários e testículos foram submetidos a técnicas imunológicas de detecção de enzimas esteroidogênicas. Aos 25 dias de gestação (DG) se inicia o processo de diferenciação sexual das gônadas (para formar os ovários ou os testículos) e da genitália externa. O tubérculo genital sofre a canalização da uretra aos 30 DG para formar o pênis nos machos e aos 40 DG para formar o clitóris das fêmeas. Nos machos, a partir dos ductos mesonéfricos, se diferenciam os ductos epididimários e os ductos deferentes. Nas fêmeas, os ductos paramesonéfricos formam as tubas e cornos uterinos, o útero parcialmente duplo e a porção cranial da vagina. A porção caudal se origina do seio urogenital e a membrana de oclusão vaginal, da membrana urogenital. Também ficou demonstrado que, a concentração de testosterona sofre grande aumento, dos 25 DG até o final da gestação e que o mesmo não ocorre com o estradiol. Os resultados para detecção de enzimas esteroidogênicas sugerem que, a placenta pode ser o órgão que atua na produção de hormônios andrógenos e pode não realizar a conversão desses hormônios em estrógenos, devido à ausência da enzima responsável por este processo. Por fim, os testículos e ovários também podem contribuir com a produção dos principais andrógenos e o ovário também possui a enzima necessária para a produção de estrógenos. / Galea spixii are rodents that have aroused the interest of researchers because of their peculiar sexual dimorphism, since females have the external genitalia with masculinized characteristics. The aim of the present research was to establish the morphological parameters of the development and sexual differentiation of males and females during the intrauterine period and the possible sources of androgen and estrogen hormones production during pregnancy. Concepts from 30 pregnant females were used. The hormonal concentrations of pregnant were described. Then, the genital organs of the concepts were analyzed macroscopically and microscopically. And, to detect possible sources of androgens and estrogens, placentas, ovaries and testes were subjected to immunological techniques for the detection of steroidogenic enzymes. At 25 days of gestation (DG) the process of sexual differentiation of the gonads (to form the ovaries or testicles) and the external genitalia begins. The genital tubercle undergoes channeling of the urethra at 30 DG to form the penis in males and at 40 DG to form the clitoris of females. In males, the epididymal ducts and the vas deferens differentiate from the mesonephric ducts. In females, the paramesonephric ducts form the uterine tubes and horns, the partially double uterus and the cranial portion of the vagina. The caudal portion originates from the urogenital sinus and the vaginal closure membrane originates from the urogenital membrane. It has also been shown that the testosterone concentration is greatly increased from 25 DG until the end of gestation and that the same does not occur with estradiol. The results for the detection of steroidogenic enzymes suggest that the placenta may be the organ that acts in the production of androgen hormones and may not perform the conversion of these hormones into estrogens due to the absence of the enzyme responsible for this process. Finally, the testicles and ovaries can also contribute to the production of the main androgens and the ovary also has the enzyme necessary for the production of estrogens.