Abstract
The enzyme 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 beta-HSD) catalyses the conversion of physiological glucocorticoids to inactive products, thus modifying the access of glucocorticoids to glucocorticoid and miner-alocorticoid receptors. Glucocorticoids may affect ovarian function both indirectly and via binding to ovarian receptors. We have demonstrated 11 beta-HSD bioactivity and mRNA expression in rat ovary in vitro. The enzyme was localized to oocytes and luteal bodies immunohistochemically using two antibodies raised against purified rat liver 11 beta-HSD. These data are supported by in-situ hybridization studies, which also localized 11 beta-HSD mRNA expression to oocytes and luteal bodies. The results suggest that 11 beta-HSD may modulate the effects of glucocorticoid on ovarian function.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 53 |
Number of pages | 0 |
Journal | Journal of Endocrinology |
Volume | 135 |
Issue number | 1 |
Publication status | Published - Oct 1992 |