Deficient testicular and adrenal steroidogenesis in mutant cream (e/e) Syrian hamsters.
Coat color genes have been shown to be developmental genes with wide pleiotropic actions. The present study was undertaken to analyze the effects of mutations at the e locus of the Syrian hamster on testicular and adrenal steroidogenesis. Although no differences in body weight were detected, cream (e/e) hamsters had larger testes and smaller adrenals than wildtype (+/+) animals. Plasma testosterone levels were lower in e/e than in +/+ hamsters. However; testicular progesterone levels were higher, and 17-OH-progesterone and testosterone levels were lower in e/e when compared to +/+ hamsters. The efficiency of testicular 17-hydroxylase appear to be reduced in e/e hamsters. Adrenal progesterone levels were higher. 17-OH-progesterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and aldosterone levels were similar, and cortisol levels were lower in e/e when compared to +/+ hamsters. The efficiencies of adrenal 17-hydroxylase and 17-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase appear to be reduced in e/e hamsters. The present data indicate that steroidogenic deficiencies are present in the testes and adrenals of e/e hamsters, and that the gonadal alterations are more severe than the adrenal ones. The e locus, in the hamster, could be a developmental gene, or could be coding for a component in a signaling pathway under the control of such a gene.
Amador
A G
AG
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62794-9230.
Levin
M
M
Huck
U W
UW
Hilgers
R D
RD
Angel
N
N
D000302:Adrenal Cortex / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D006224:Cricetinae; D005796:Genes; D006200:Hair Color / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D008647:Mesocricetus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D009154:Mutation; D009929:Organ Size; D010641:Phenotype; D015290:Second Messenger Systems; D013256:Steroids / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000097:blood; D013737:Testis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood / Q000172:deficiency*
D013256:Steroids; D013739:Testosterone