5-3 -HYDROXYSTEROID DEHYDROGENASE ACTIVITY IN THE STEROID-HORMONE PRODUCING ORGANS OF THE FERRET (MUSTELA PUTORIUS FURO)

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Abstract
A histochemical method was used for the detection of -3/3 -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in the adrenal glands, testes, ovaries and placentae of ferrets. The enzyme was demonstrated in the adrenocortical tissue, in the testicular Leydig cells of the testes, and in the granulosa lutein cells, the theca lutein cells and the theca interna of healthy and atretic follicles of the ovary. There was no enzyme activity in any part of the placenta, even when incubation was prolonged. All the tissues of the organs examined were active for the NAD diaphorase reaction. Lipid staining did not parallel the activity of A5-3 (3 -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. The pattern of distribution of 4-3