title: Synthesis of steroids by echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) testis and the effects of gonadotrophin administration.
abstract: After administration of hCG and PMSG to male echidnas (in non-breeding state) the testis to body weight ratio increased 3-fold and the diameter of the seminiferous tubules doubled, but spermatogenesis was not induced. The major conversion product of testicular homogenate with [4-14C]progesterone as substrate was 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (4% in untreated and 29% in treated echidnas). Testosterone (5%), androstenedione (16%) and 17 alpha,20 beta-dihydroxypregn-4-en-3-one (7%) were also obtained in gonadotrophin-treated animals. In untreated animals these steroids were present in minor amounts (less than 1%).
mesh_terms: D000735:Androstenedione / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000818:Animals; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000494:pharmacology; D006064:Gonadotropins, Equine / Q000494:pharmacology; D006908:Hydroxyprogesterones / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008297:Male; D009007:Monotremata / Q000378:metabolism*; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D011374:Progesterone / Q000378:metabolism; D012671:Seminiferous Tubules / Q000187:drug effects; D004442:Tachyglossidae / Q000378:metabolism*; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000096:biosynthesis
chemical_list: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D006064:Gonadotropins, Equine; D006908:Hydroxyprogesterones; C021012:17 alpha,20 beta-dihydroxypregn-4-en-3-one; D013739:Testosterone; D000735:Androstenedione; D011374:Progesterone