GC-MS-based metabolic signatures reveal comparative steroidogenic pathways between fetal and adult mouse testes

Abstract

Background: Previous studies on gonadal steroidogenesis have not compared metabolic pathways between fetal and adult mouse testes to date. Objectives: To evaluate comparative metabolic signatures of testicular steroids between fetus and adult mice using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-based steroid profiling. Materials and methods: GC-MS with molecular-specific scan modes was optimized for selective and sensitive detection of 23 androgens, 7 estrogens, 14 progestogens, and 13 corticoids from mouse testes with a quantification limit of 0.1-5.0 ng/mL and reproducibility (coefficient of variation: 0.3%-19.9%). Based on 26 steroids quantitatively detected in testes, comparative steroid signatures were analyzed for mouse testes of 8 fetuses on embryonic day 16.5 and 8 adults on postnatal days 56-60. Results: In contrast to large amounts of steroids in adult testes (P