Identification and androgen regulation of a 156-kDa hemeprotein in the harderian gland of the Syrian hamster.
An abundant cytosolic protein from hamster Harderian glands was partially purified by ultracentrifugation and analyzed on SDS-PAGE. This 156-kDa protein occurs in male but not in female glands. Castration of adult males for different time periods resulted in a gradual disappearance of the protein over 5 weeks. Daily administration of testosterone, 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone, 3 alpha- or 3 beta-androstanediol (0.5 mg/day/15 days), to castrated males maintained the levels of the protein. In females, the protein was induced with the same compounds but not with 17 beta-estradiol. These observations indicate an androgen-mediated hormonal regulation. In developing animals, the 156-kDa protein was detectable in glands of 2-week-old males and females; it was not detected in 4-week-old females. Its specific reactions to 3,3',5,5'-benzidine derivatives strongly suggest heme groups associated with this Harderian gland protein.
Vilchis
F
F
Department of Reproductive Biology, Instituto Nacional de la Nutrición, México DF, México.
Damsky
R
R
Heuze
Y
Y
Enríquez
J
J
Chávez
B
B
D000728:Androgens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D006224:Cricetinae; D013196:Dihydrotestosterone / Q000494:pharmacology; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D005260:Female; D006243:Harderian Gland / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D006420:Hemeproteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008647:Mesocricetus; D008970:Molecular Weight; D013739:Testosterone / Q000494:pharmacology
D000728:Androgens; D006420:Hemeproteins; D013196:Dihydrotestosterone; D013739:Testosterone