Aromatase cytochrome P450 and 5α-reductase in the amygdala and cortex of perinatal rats

Abstract

THE major androgen metabolizing enzymes, aromatase cytochrome P450 and 5α-reductase play critical role(s) in the development of sexually dimorphic brain structures, the modulation of neuroendocrine function(s) and the regulation of sexual and non-sexual behaviors. Using established assays, we detected 5α-reductase and aromatase enzymatic activities in amygdala and frontal cortical tissue from male and female rats during the perinatal interval (from gestational day (GD) 19 to post-natal day (PND) 6). The present findings indicate that 5α-reductase and aromatase rates in the cortex display different enzyme profiles, while in the amygdala tissue site a similar pattern is seen for both enzymes during perinatal development. In general, there was a lack of sex differences in the enzymatic rates. The importance these enzyme systems play in generating androgen (and progesterone) steroid metabolites which influence neural development and function are discussed.