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Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol

Title:		The seminal vesicle synthesizes steroids in the round goby Neogobius melanostomus
Author(s):		Jasra SK; Arbuckle WJ; Corkum LD; Li W; Scott AP; Zielinski B;
Address:		"Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor Windsor, ON, Canada N9B 3P4"
Journal Title:		Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol
Year:		2007
Volume:		20070504
Issue:		1
Page Number:		117 - 123
DOI:		10.1016/j.cbpa.2007.03.034
ISSN/ISBN:		1095-6433 (Print) 1095-6433 (Linking)
Abstract:		"In this study, we examine the possible contribution of the seminal vesicles of the male round goby to the production of putative steroidal pheromones. A previous study showed that the testes of the round goby are rich in steroid-producing Leydig-like cells; and when incubated in vitro, convert tritiated androstenedione to at least six other steroids, including one not previously identified in fish--namely 3alpha-hydroxy-5beta-androstane-11,17-dione (11-oxo-etiocholanolone, 11-oxo-ETIO). The seminal vesicles of reproductively mature males were examined by conventional histology, transmission electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry (utilizing an antibody against 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase--a key enzyme in vertebrate steroid synthesis). All three procedures identified Leydig cells in the proximal and medial regions of the seminal vesicles. In vitro incubation of seminal vesicles with tritiated androstenedione demonstrated biosynthesis of 11-oxo-androstenedione, 11-oxo-testosterone (more commonly known as 11-ketotestosterone) and 11 oxo-ETIO. These data indicate that the seminal vesicles, as well as the testes are involved in the synthesis of steroidal compounds that may function as pheromones"
Keywords:		"Animals Fishes/*physiology Male Microscopy, Electron, Transmission Seminal Vesicles/*metabolism/ultrastructure Steroids/*biosynthesis;"
Notes:		"MedlineJasra, Shashi K Arbuckle, Wesley J Corkum, Lynda D Li, Weiming Scott, Alexander P Zielinski, Barbara eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't 2007/05/22 Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol. 2007 Sep; 148(1):117-23. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2007.03.034. Epub 2007 May 4"