Inactivation of porcine corpus luteum lutropin receptors by a microsomal enzyme. Activation in ageing and regressing corpora lutea

The binding of 125I-labelled human choriogonadotropin (hCG) to homogenates of porcine corpora lutea showed a marked departure from ideal behaviour, due to a time- and temperature-dependent inactivation of both free hormone and unoccupied receptors. Occupied receptors were not affected. Lutropin (LH)-receptor-inactivating activity was detected after preincubation of homogenates, particulate fractions and microsomes, but little activity could be demonstrated in cytosol fractions. Inactivation was dependent on the temperature and pH of preincubation, and on tissue concentration: LH-receptor inactivation was first-order with respect to preincubation time. Lutropin-receptor-inactivating activity was low in early-luteal and mid-luteal phase in pig corpora lutea, but was increased significantly in late-luteal and regressing corpora lutea.     

Effects of human choriogonadotropin on mitochondrial and microsomal cytochrome P-450 levels in mouse testes

The mitochondrial and microsomal cytochrome P-450 contents of $\text{C57B1}\text{6}$ mouse testis have been measured using difference spectroscopy on stable enzyme preparations containing the ferrous-carbon monoxide complex. Results were obtained on control animals (52 ± 3 days of age) and on animals injected subcutaneously with human choriogonadotropin (0.017 μg/g body weight 24 h prior to sacrifice). The high ratio of testicular mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase to P-450, which has previously precluded measurements of basal P-450 levels, was overcome by using N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-p-phenylene diamine to bypass site II, in combination with antimycin A to prevent reverse electron flow. The basal levels of mitochondrial and microsomal P-450 in mouse testis were 37.9 ± 3.5 and 28.9 ± 1.6 pmol/mg protein, respectively. Following administration of a desensitizing dose of gonadotropin, the respective values were lowered to 19.9 ± 1.4 and 19.6 ± 2.1 pmol/mg protein in 24 h. This is the first report of a gonadotropin-mediated decrease in mitochondrial P-450 and thus demonstrates that desensitization leads to alterations in both microsomal and mitochondrial P-450 in mouse testis.