Steroid metabolism in corpora lutea of the western spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius latifrons)

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Abstract
Steroid metabolism by corpora lutea (CL) obtained from skunks with diapausing embryos (delay CL) and with activated embryos (activated CL) was studied. CL from both reproductive periods were incubated with various radioactive precursors. Control incubations without any tissue or with 50 .mu.l of packed skunk blood cells were also conducted simultaneously. Incubation of skunk CL with [3H]-pregnenolone for 3 h resulted in 36% of the precursor accumulating as progesterone. Metabolism of [3H]dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to androstenedione proceeded with approximately the same amount of product accumulating (34-46%) as was observed in the conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone. .DELTA.5-Isomerase, 3.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, is the most prominent enzyme in skunk CL. Metabolism of [3H]pregnenolone to 17.alpha.-hydroxypregnenolone and [3H]progesterone to 17.beta.-hydroxyprogesterone occurred at low rates (1-7%), suggesting the presence of C21 steroid 17.beta.-hydroxylase in skunk CL. Aromatase activity, as estimated by measuring accmulation of estradiol-17.beta. from [3H]testosterone, was demonstrated in activated CL. Skunk CL appear to metabolize steroids in a manner similar to CL of other mustelids such as the ferret and American badger.