Different modulation of aromatase activity in frog testis in vitro by ACE and ANG II.
The aim of the present research was to study the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ANG II in amphibian (Rana esculenta) testicular steroidogenesis and prostaglandin production. Hormonal effects of ACE, ACE inhibitors, synthetic bullfrog ANG I, and [Val(5)]ANG II were determined in frog testis of prereproductive period. Production of 17beta-estradiol, progesterone, androgens, and PGE(2) and PGF(2alpha) was determined by incubating frog testes with ACE (2.5 mU/ml), captopril (0.1 mM), lisinopril (0.1 mM), [Val(5)]ANG II (1 microM), and synthetic bullfrog ANG I (1 microM). The analysis of the data showed an independent modulation of 17beta-estradiol and androgen production by ACE and ANG II. The ACE pathway caused a decrease of 17beta-estradiol production and an increase of androgen production in frog testes; on the other hand, the ANG II pathway increased 17beta-estradiol production and decreased androgen production. The determination of testicular aromatase activity showed a positive regulation by ANG II and a negative regulation by ACE. As for prostaglandin production, only ANG II influenced PGF(2alpha). These results suggest a new physiological role of ACE and ANG II in modulating steroidogenesis and prostaglandin production.
Miano
A
A
Department of Molecular, University of Camerino, I-62032 Camerino, Italy. amici@camserv.unicam.it
Gobbetti
A
A
Zerani
M
M
Quassinti
L
L
Maccari
E
E
Murri
O
O
Amici
D
D
Bramucci
M
M
D000728:Androgens / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000804:Angiotensin II / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001141:Aromatase / Q000378:metabolism*; D015237:Dinoprost / Q000096:biosynthesis; D004958:Estradiol / Q000096:biosynthesis; D005260:Female; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007700:Kinetics; D008297:Male; D009842:Oligopeptides / Q000378:metabolism; D010053:Ovary / Q000201:enzymology; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D011893:Rana esculenta; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000378:metabolism
D000728:Androgens; D009842:Oligopeptides; D000804:Angiotensin II; D004958:Estradiol; C038275:2-furanacryloyl-phenylalanyl-glycyl-glycine; D015237:Dinoprost; D001141:Aromatase; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A