Factors regulating the steroid 11-hydroxylation by non-germinating spores ofCunninghamella elegans (LENDNER)

Abstract
In the presence of malate or citrate sporangiospores of C. elegans were able to hydroxylate cortexolone with a rate twofold exceeding that of the control, water suspended spores. Analysis of the intracellular nicotinamide coenzyme pools revealed an increased NADPH:(NADP+ + NADPH) ratio, indicating more effective NADPH-generating systems in malate- or citrate-stimulating spores. Swollen spores remaining in the pregermination state, retained higher cortexolone-hydroxylating activity in the absence of malate and citrate. In these spores degradation of endogenous alanine and glutamic acid was observed. Possible NADPH-generating systems in C. elegans sporangiospores were discussed.