Efficacy of exemestane,a new generation of aromatase inhibitor,on sex differentiation in a gonochoristic fish

We report the first use of exemestane (EM), a steroidal aromatase inhibitor (AI) commercially known as aromasin, in studies of sex differentiation in fish. The effectiveness of EM was examined in two different age groups of the gonochoristic fish, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Untreated control fish (all female) showed normal ovarian differentiation through 120 days after hatching (dah), whereas fish treated with EM at 1000 and 2000 µg/g of feed from 9 dah through 35 dah, the critical period for sex differentiation, exhibited complete testicular differentiation; all stages of spermatogenic germ cells were evident and well developed efferent ducts were present. Fish treated with EM at 1000 µg/g of feed from 70 dah through 100 dah significantly suppressed plasma estradiol-17β level and increased level of 11-ketotestosterone. Furthermore, untreated control fish showed strong gonadal expression of the steroidogenic enzymes P450 cholesterol-side chain-cleavage enzyme (P450scc), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), and cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom). In contrast, EM-treated fish showed immunopositive reactions against P450scc and 3β-HSD but not against P450arom in interstitial Leydig cells. These results indicate that treatment of tilapia juveniles with EM during sex differentiation leads to the development of testes, apparently by a complete suppression of aromatase activity.     

Cytodifferentiation of ovarian follicle cells during oocyte growth and maturation

Inasmuch as 17α,20β-diOHprog was identified as the maturation-inducing hormone, we now have two known biologically important mediators of oocyte growth and maturation in salmonids, estradiol-17β and 17α,20β-diOHprog. It is now established that the granulosa cells are the site of production of these two mediators, but production by the ovarian follicle depends on the provision of precursor steroids by the thecal cell (two-cell type hypothesis). A dramatic switch in the steroidogenic pathway from estradiol-17β to 17α,20β-diOHprog occurs only in ovarian follicle cells immediately prior to oocyte maturation. This switch is a prerequisite step for the growing oocyte to enter the maturation phase. Resolution of the molecular events regulating this switch will provide new insight into the hormonal events regulating oocyte growth and maturation.     

Effects of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone and insulin-like growth factor-I on aromatase activity and P450 aromatase gene expression in the ovarian follicles of red seabream,Pagrus major

To clarify the mechanism of estradiol-17beta production in the ovarian follicle of red seabream, in vitro effects of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) on aromatase activity (conversion of testosterone to estradiol-17beta) and cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom) mRNA expression in ovarian fragments of red seabream were investigated. Of the growth factors used in the present study, only IGF-I stimulated both aromatase activity and P450arom gene expression in the ovarian fragments of red seabream. LH from red seabream pituitary, but not FSH, stimulated both aromatase activity and P450arom gene expression. IGF-I slightly enhanced the LH-induced aromatase activity and P450arom gene expression. These data and our previous results indicate that LH, but not FSH, stimulates estradiol-17beta production in the ovarian follicle of red seabream through stimulation of aromatase activity and P450arom gene expression and IGF-I enhances the LH-stimulated P450arom gene expression.     

Cloning and expression analysis of androgen receptor gene in chicken embryogenesis

We cloned a full-length androgen receptor (AR) cDNA from chicken (Gallus gallus) gonads. The cDNA sequence has an open reading frame of 2109 bp encoding 703 amino acids. The chicken AR (cAR) shares high homology with ARs from other species in its amino acid sequences, in particular DNA binding domain (DBD) and ligand binding domain (LBD). RT-PCR analysis revealed that cAR mRNA is expressed in several embryonic tissues of both sexes, and relatively higher expression was observed in left ovary compared with testis. The immunoreactive signal of AR was co-localized within the ovarian cell nucleus, while such nuclear localization was not detected in those of testis. To get insight on the possible role of androgen-AR signaling during gonadal development, non-steroidal AR antagonist, flutamide, was administrated in ovo. The treatment induced the disorganization of sex cords in ovarian cortex at day 12 of incubation. The effect was restored by testosterone co-treatment, implying the possibility that AR mediated signaling may be involved in ovarian morphogenesis. Furthermore, co-treatment of flutamide with estradiol-17beta (E2) also restored the phenotype, suggesting androgen-AR signaling might activate aromatase expression that is necessary for estrogen synthesis. These findings suggest androgen-AR signaling might contribute to chicken embryonic ovarian development.     

Biochemical and molecular effects of gestational and lactational coexposure to lead and cadmium on ovarian steroidogenesis are associated with oxidative stress in F1 generation rats

Few studies have characterized the molecular and biochemical mechanisms involved in ovarian steroidogenesis disruption by heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium coexposure, on F1 generation offspring. In this study, adult pregnant female rats were treated subcutaneously (0.05 mg/kg of body weight per day) with sodium acetate (control), lead acetate, and cadmium acetate separately and in combination throughout gestational and lactational period, and all animals from each of the experimental groups were sacrificed by decapitation on postnatal day 56 for various assays. The activities of key steroidogenic enzymes (17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) decreased in all the metal-treated groups. But the most significant decrease in the activities was observed in the cadmium-treated group, whereas the combined exposure group showed an intermediate effect. Serum estradiol and progesterone levels were also significantly altered in all the metal-treated groups, with the cadmium-exposed group showing maximum reductions as compared with the control group. The inhibitory effects of lead and cadmium on ovarian steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) mRNA levels along with CYP11 mRNA levels were also observed. Ovarian cholesterol content measured also showed significant depletion in all the metal-treated groups, with the cadmium-exposed group showing the maximum depletion. The activities of ovarian enzymatic antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, were all significantly diminished along with significant depletion in nonenzymatic antioxidants. Lipid peroxidation was elevated significantly in all the metal-treated groups. In conclusion, lead and cadmium inhibit ovarian steroidogenesis by downregulating StAR gene expression along with inhibiting activities of steroidogenic enzymes and antioxidant system.     

Intrafollicular concentrations of steroids and steroidogenic enzymes in relation to follicular development in the mare

The objective of the present study was to determine the changes in follicular fluid steroid concentrations and in granulosa cell steroidogenic enzyme expression during the follicular phase, in relation to follicular size and physiological status in the mare. Follicular fluid and follicular cells were recovered by ultrasound-guided follicular punctures either around the time of emergence of the dominant follicle, at the end of the dominant follicle growth, or at the preovulatory stage, after injection of gonadotropin to induce ovulation. Cellular relative amounts of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), P450-side chain cleavage (P450(scc)), 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3betaHSD), 17alpha-hydroxylase, and aromatase were assessed by semiquantitative Western blot and densitometry. Follicular fluid was assayed for cholesterol concentrations by colorimetric assay and for progesterone, testosterone, and estradiol-17beta concentrations by RIA. Intrafollicular concentrations of progesterone and estradiol-17beta significantly increased in the dominant follicle during growth. After injection of gonadotropin, follicular maturation was characterized by a decrease in estradiol-17beta concentrations and a further increase in progesterone concentrations. Granulosa cells from dominant follicles had increased levels of StAR, P450(scc), 3betaHSD, and aromatase during growth, but decreased levels during maturation. Levels of StAR, P450(scc), 3betaHSD, and aromatase, as well as progesterone and estradiol-17beta, were lower in granulosa cells from subordinate than from dominant follicles. We did not observe a relationship between the steroidogenic activity of follicles and the capacity of their enclosed oocytes to complete meiosis in vitro.     

Estrogen synthesis in relation to gonadal development of Japanese scallop, Patinopecten yessoensis: gonadal profile and immunolocalization of P450 aromatase and estrogen

Aromatase activities and estrogen contents in the gonad of Japanese scallop, Patinopecten yessoensis, were determined during gonadal development and estrogenic cells in the testis were identified immunohistochemically. Ovaries and testes developed rapidly during January and February to reach the mature stage in March and the spawning stage in April. Increases in aromatase activities of the ovary and testis preceded the onset of the ovarian and testicular development. Aromatase activities reached the highest level at the growing stage in February and the mature stage in March, and showed a striking decrease at the spawning stage in April. Contents of ovarian and testicular estradiol-17beta changed similarly to the profile of aromatase activities in the ovary and testis, although estrone showed no change. Immunoreactivities against P450 aromatase and estradiol-17beta were detected in the cells along the inside of the acinar wall of the testis, whereas in the previous reports, the cells are distributed along the outside of the acinar wall in the ovary. This study thus suggests that estrogen is synthesized in the estrogenic cells of the ovary and testis through aromatization by P450 aromatase and that testicular estrogen may play a physiological role in spermatogenesis.     

Dominant bovine ovarian follicular cysts express increased levels of messenger RNAs for luteinizing hormone receptor and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase delta(4),delta(5) isomerase compared to normal dominant follicles

The objective was to compare ovarian steroids and expression of mRNAs encoding cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage, cytochrome P450 17 alpha-hydroxylase, cytochrome P450 aromatase, 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase Delta(4),Delta(5) isomerase, LH, and FSH receptors and estrogen receptor-beta in ovaries of cows with dominant and nondominant ovarian follicular cysts and in normal dominant follicles. Estradiol-17 beta, progesterone, and androstenedione concentrations were determined in follicular fluid using specific RIAs. Dominant cysts were larger than young cysts or dominant follicles, whereas nondominant cysts were intermediate. Estradiol-17 beta (ng/ml) and total steroids (ng/follicle) were higher in dominant cysts than in dominant follicles. Expression of LH receptor and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase mRNAs was higher in granulosa cells of dominant cysts than in dominant follicles. Nondominant cysts had higher follicular concentrations of progesterone, lower estradiol-17 beta concentrations, and lower expression of steroidogenic enzyme, gonadotropin receptor, and estrogen receptor-beta mRNAs than other groups. In summary, increased expression of LH receptor and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase mRNAs in granulosa and increased follicular estradiol-17 beta concentrations were associated with dominant cysts compared to dominant follicles. Study of cysts at known developmental stages is useful in identifying alterations in follicular steroidogenesis.     

Aromatase is expressed and active in the rainbow trout oocyte during final oocyte maturation

While it is generally well accepted that the ovarian follicular sites of estradiol-17β (E2) synthesis are restricted to somatic cells, the possible contribution of the germinal compartment has received little or no attention in teleosts. In order to demonstrate the expression of ovarian aromatase in the oocyte, cyp19a1a mRNA was studied in ovarian follicles by in situ hybridization. In addition, the expression of cyp19a1a was studied in both somatic and germinal compartments of the ovarian follicle in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during final oocyte maturation (i.e., maturational competence acquisition and subsequent meiosis resumption) by real-time PCR. The enzymatic activity of ovarian aromatase was also studied in both somatic and germinal compartments of the ovarian follicle. Finally, E2 levels were monitored in follicle-enclosed oocytes throughout the pre-ovulatory period. We were able to demonstrate a significant ovarian aromatase expression and activity in the late vitellogenic oocyte. Furthermore, a dramatic decrease in aromatase expression and activity occurs in the oocyte during late oogenesis, concomitantly with the trend observed in surrounding follicular layers. We also report an unexpected increase of E2 levels in the oocyte during the pre-ovulatory period. To our knowledge, these observations are reported for the first time in any teleost species. Together, our data support the hypothesis of the participation of the germinal compartment in follicular estrogen synthesis and a biological role of E2 during oocyte and/or early embryo development.     

Aromatization of testosterone in large and small bovine luteal cells. Conflicting results between radioimmunoassay and cocrystallization data

The ability of isolated large or small bovine luteal cells to synthesize estradiol-17β was tested by incubations in the absence or in the presence of exogenous testosterone.Using a specific radioimmunoassay, no synthesis of estradiol-17β could be detected in the small or large luteal cells after incubation in the absence of testosterone. However, after incubation in the presence of exogenous unlabelled testosterone, radioimmunoassay data suggested the existence in the large but not the small luteal cells of synthesis of estradiol-17β. However, the results obtained by measuring the conversion of ³H-testosterone to ³H-estradiol-17β by cocrystallization with unlabelled estradiol-17β failed to confirm the presence of aromatase in the large cells. These data indicate that aromatization in large and small bovine luteal cells is probably negligible. Moreover, they cast serious doubt on studies of aromatization in luteal tissue based on radioimmunoassay data only.     

Estrogens augment the stimulation of ovarian aromatase activity by follicle-stimulating hormone in cultured rat granulosa cells

The effects of estrogens on ovarian aromatase activity were investigated in vitro using granulosa cells from immature hypophysectomized estrogen-primed rats. The cells were cultured for 3 days in an androgen-free medium in the presence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), with or without the specified estrogen. After washing, the cells were reincubated for 5 h with 10(-7) M androstenedione, and the formation of estrogens was measured. Estrogen production by control and diethylstilbestrol-treated cells was negligible, while FSH stimulated aromatase activity. Furthermore, concomitant treatment with diethylstilbestrol led to dose-dependent increases in the FSH-induced aromatase activity with an ED50 value of 4 X 10(-9) M and an apparent Vmax value 12- to 16-fold higher than those induced by FSH alone. The direct stimulatory effect of estrogens was time-dependent and was not accounted for by increases in cell protein. Various native and synthetic estrogens also augmented the FSH induction of aromatases (native estrogens: estradiol-17 beta = estrone greater than estradiol-17 alpha greater than estriol; synthetic estrogens: hexestrol greater than moxestrol greater than ethinyl estradiol much greater than chlorotrianisene and mestranol). The effect of estradiol-17 beta was dose-dependent with an ED50 value of 9 X 10(-9) M, which is within the physiological levels of follicular estradiol-17 beta. Although treatment with androgens also enhanced the FSH-induced aromatases, treatment with a progestin (R5020) or a mineralocorticoid (aldosterone) was without effect. Thus, estrogens directly augment the stimulation of granulosa cell aromatase activity by FSH. Follicular estrogens may activate intraovarian autoregulatory positive feedback mechanisms to enhance their own production, resulting in selective follicle maturation and the preovulatory estrogen surge.     

Differential hormonal regulation of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in rabbit and mouse uterus

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) has been shown to be essential for the implantation of mouse blastocysts. The present study was designed to determine how LIF protein was hormonally regulated in rabbit and mouse uterus using immunohistochemistry. In unmated rabbits, LIF protein was at a low level in the uterine epithelium and glands, and up-regulated by progesterone alone or estradiol-17β and progesterone combined. Estradiol-17β alone had no apparent effect. In ovariectomized mice, the level of LIF protein was very low in the uterine epithelium and glands, and was up-regulated by estradiol-17β alone or estradiol-17β and progesterone combined. Progesterone alone had no apparent effect. These results suggest that LIF protein is differentially regulated in rabbit and mouse uterus by progesterone and estrogen, respectively. This would explain the high level of LIF protein observed in uterine epithelium and glands prior to blastocyst implantation in the two species with different hormonal requirements for implantation. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Sex steroid changes during temperature‐induced gonadal differentiation in Paralichthys olivaceus (Temminck & Schegel, 1846)

Sex steroid changes during temperature‐induced gonadal differentiation were evaluated in the olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. Larvae were reared at 21 ± 0.5°C, 24 ± 0.5°C and 28 ± 0.5°C from day 40 post‐hatching (dph) to 90 dph. The proportion of males was 61.1, 76.7, 87.8 and 47.8% in 21°C, 24°C, 28°C and in control groups, respectively. Gonadal differentiation was circa 65 dph, when fishes were a mean 39 mm total length (TL). The gonads developed faster when fishes were reared in higher temperatures. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) analyses indicated that the level of estradiol‐17β (E2) changed during the period of gonadal differentiation and peaked at an onset of ovarian differentiation in all groups. Compared with fish in control groups, the levels of E2 were lower in thermal‐treated groups, especially in the highest temperature groups. The present results indicate that E2 plays a major role in the process of ovarian differentiation, and suggest that temperature‐induced masculinization in P. olivaceus is mainly due to a decrease in the E2 level during the period of ovarian differentiation.     

Evidence for a role of androgens in the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles in rats

Changes in the morphology and steroid content of ovaries were studied after 48 h of intravenous injection of 100 microgram of cyproterone acetate or flutamide to diestrus or estrous rats. Treatment with cyproterone acetate at diestrus caused a decrease in the number of small follicles (less than 200 micrometer), freshly formed corpora lutea and the levels of estradiol-17beta in the ovary, suggesting inhibition of ovulation. Following flutamide administration at diestrus, the number of follicles at all stages of development were reduced with a concomitant decrease in the ovarian levels of the hormones. Thus, flutamide suppressed the growth and maturation of follicles. On administration of these drugs at estrous, the steroid content of ovaries was more pari passu with the increase in the number of mature and medium follicles. The differential effects of the two drugs are discussed in the light of these observations.     

Concentrations of progesterone,testosterone and estradiol-17β in the serum during the estrous cycle of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus)

The levels of progesterone, testosterone and estradiol-17β in serum samples from two female Asian elephants were measured for the period of 32 months from February 1987 to September 1989. Serum samples were collected weekly from unanesthetized elephants. Each elephant showed eight ovarian cycles in 32 months. Ovarian cycles, characterized by changes in concentrations of serum progesterone, averaged 16.8 ± 0.6 (mean ± SEM. n = 14) weeks in length. The changes in concentrations of testosterone in the serum showed a similar pattern to those of progesterone with a striking increase noted during the luteal phase. The highest levels of serum estradiol-17β were noted when progesterone levels showed low basal values. These results suggest that estradiol-17β may be an index of follicular maturation during the estrous cycle in Asian elephants, and that the ovaries of Asian elephants may produce testosterone in the luteal phase.