Aminopeptidases in the gonads of male and female rats.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the relative importance of soluble (Sol) and membrane-bound (M-B) components of aminopeptidase (AP) activities in local functions of male and female gonads.


METHODS
Observational study.


METHODS
University research.


METHODS
Adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats in the proestrous phase of the estrous cycle.


METHODS
Samples from the right testis and the whole right ovary were dissected after perfusion with saline. The Sol and M-B fractions were obtained from these samples.


METHODS
Fluorometric measurement of Sol and M-B AP activities using arylamide derivatives as substrates.


RESULTS
Highly significant differences between male and female gonads were observed. Sol AP activities showed a significant predominance in testes, whereas M-B AP activities were significantly higher in ovaries.


CONCLUSIONS
There was a discrepancy in the distribution of Sol and M-B AP activities between male and female gonads, which may imply a direct participation of sex steroids in AP activities. These results may reflect the relative importance of these enzymes in the testis and ovary and should be taken into account in evaluating the functional role of peptides locally produced in gonads.
Prieto
Isabel
I
Unit of Physiology, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain.
Arechaga
Garbiñe
G
Ramírez-Expósito
María J
MJ
De Gasparo
Marc
M
Martínez-Martos
José M
JM
Ramírez
Manuel
M
D000626:Aminopeptidases / Q000032:analysis*; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010053:Ovary / Q000201:enzymology*; D011359:Proestrus; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013737:Testis / Q000201:enzymology*
D000626:Aminopeptidases