Biosynthesis of Testosterone by Monkey Testesin Vitro

Abstract

Biosynthesis of testosterone from progesterone, 17[alpha]-hydroxyprogesterone, 3[beta]-hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one and androst-4-ene-3, 17-dione by the testes from adult rhesus monkeys has been studied in vitro. Experiments using radioactive substrates indicate that testosterone biosynthesis in monkey testes also follows the pathway: Progesterone[forward arrow] 17[alpha]-Hydroxyprogesterone [forward arrow] Androst-4-ene-3 17-dione[forward arrow] Testosterone. Other metabolites Identified were: 16[alpha]-hydroxyprogesterone, 20[alpha]-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one, 20[beta]-hydroxy-pregn-4-en-3- one, 17[alpha],20[alpha]-dihydroxypregn-4-en-3-one and 17[alpha],20[beta]-dihydroxypregn-4 -en-3-one.