Steroid Hormone Formation by the Rat Ovary. I. Identification of Steroids Formedin Vitrofrom Acetate-1-14C by Ovarian Tissue Transplanted for 30 Days to the Spleens of Female Rats

Abstract

Ovarian tissue was transplanted into the spleens of spayed rats. After 30 days, slices of transplants, composed of corpora lutea, interstitial tissue and follicles, were incubated in the presence of acetate-1-C14. Formation of radioactive steroids was assessed by carrier dilution and radiochemical purity was established by crystallization to constant specific activity. Two progestins, progesterone and 20[phi]-hydroxy-[DELTA]4 -pregne-3-one were the only radioactive steroids shown to be formed in vitro from acetate-1-C14 by this ovarian preparation. Luteinizing hormone (N1H-LH-S1) did not augment steroid synthesis in vitro, presumably because of maximal stimulation in vivo by endogenous pituitary gonadotropins.