Progestin Production during Superfusion of Ovaries from Cycling Rats

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Abstract
Superfusion of partially sliced ovarian tissue from cycling rats using a continuous flow of buffered saline was found to be a useful method for in vitro experimentation. The major metabolite of 3H—progesterone (P) formed by superfused tissue was 20α—dihydroprogesterone (20αOH—P). Tissue from rats at all stages of the estrous cycle released detectable amounts of both P and 20αOH—P, with the latter steroid predominating. The 20αOH—P/P ratio was highest with proestrus and estrus tissue. The progestins were produced at a constant basal rate during superfusion for at least 24 hr. The greatest amounts of both steroids were released by diestrus tissue. Pulses of human chorionic gonadotropin administered to estrus and diestrus I tissue during superfusion were followed by increases in the amounts of steroids in the superfusate. Smaller and more variable effects were seen with proestrus and diestrus II tissue. The results obtained both before and after gonadotropic stimulation were consistent with production of the progestins primarily by the cells of the corpora lutea.(Endocrinology92: 265,1973)

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