Immunolocalization of steroidogenic enzymes P450scc, 3βHSD, P450c17, and P450arom in Göttingen miniature pig testes

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate immunolocalization of steroidogenic enzymes in Göttingen miniature (GM) pig testes. Testes of 6 adult GM pigs were obtained in September 1996 (n=2), February (n=2) and June (n=2), 1997. Steroidogenic enzymes were immunolocalized using polyclonal antisera raised against bovine adrenal cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochrome P450 (P450scc), human placental 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βHSD), porcine testicular 17α-hydroxylase cytochrome P450 (P450c17), and human placental aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom). Histologically, all types of spermatogenic cells including mature-phase spermatozoa in seminiferous tubules were observed in all testes throughout the year. Moreover, P450scc, 3βHSD, P450c17and P450arom were identified in Leydig cells but not in Sertoli cells of all testes. These results suggested that adult GM pig testes have the ability to produce germ cells throughout the year, and the synthesis of progestin, androgen and estrogen occurs in the Leydig cells of GM pig testes.