Catecholamines inhibit steroidogenesis by cultured porcine thecal cells.
The ovaries of many species contain catecholamines and beta-adrenergic receptors. The present studies were done to determine if catecholamines play a role in the regulation of androgen production by porcine theca cells. Basal and luteinizing hormone (LH)-stimulated androstenedione production was significantly inhibited by noradrenaline and isoproterenol. The inhibitory effects were dose-dependent and were enhanced when the cultures contained the carboxy-O-methyl transferase inhibitor, U-0521. The inhibitory effect of isoproterenol was reversed by the beta-adrenergic antagonist, metoprolol. Isoproterenol caused a generalized inhibition of LH-stimulated steroidogenesis, decreasing the accumulation of pregnenolone, progesterone, androstenedione and estradiol in the culture medium. These studies suggest that catecholamines may be important regulators of thecal androgen production.
Morley
P
P
Department of Physiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
Calaresu
F R
FR
Armstrong
D T
DT
D000735:Androstenedione / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D000818:Animals; D065098:Catechol O-Methyltransferase Inhibitors; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D007545:Isoproterenol / Q000494:pharmacology; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology; D008790:Metoprolol / Q000494:pharmacology; D011427:Propiophenones / Q000494:pharmacology; D013552:Swine; D013799:Theca Cells / Q000378:metabolism*
D065098:Catechol O-Methyltransferase Inhibitors; D002395:Catecholamines; D011427:Propiophenones; D000735:Androstenedione; C006104:U 0521; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D008790:Metoprolol; D007545:Isoproterenol