Localization of some steroidogenic enzymes in the ovary of the rabbit

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Abstract
The distribution of Δ5–3β-HSD, peroxidase and cytochrome oxidase in immature, sexually mature and pregnant rabbit ovary has been studied histochemically. Corpora lutea are found only in pregnant rabbits. Δ5–3β-HSD is present in the theca interna of mature follicles, corpora lutea and interstitial gland cells but is absent in the granulosa cells of both developing and mature follicles. The granulosa cells of mature and developing follicles, hypertrophied theca interna and the luteal cells all show intense cytochrome oxidase activity. Peroxidase is present in the corpora lutea only. It is suggested that Δ5–3β-HSD in the theca interna and interstitial gland cells is the enzyme responsible for steroid synthesis in the ovaries of immature as well as sexually mature rabbits, while peroxidase and Δ5–3β-HSD present in the corpora lutea together regulate luteal steroidogenesis during pregnancy. The intense cytochrome oxidase activity together with peroxidase and Δ5–3β-HSD confirms the observations that this tissue is a site of intense oxidative activity.