Immunolocalization of aromatase, 17α-hydroxylase and side-chain-cleavage cytochromes P-450 in the human ovary

H. Sasano, M. Okamoto, J. I. Mason, E. R. Simpson, C. R. Mendelson, N. Sasano, S. G. Silverberg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

179 Scopus citations

Abstract

Immunohistochemical localization of cholesterol side-chain-cleavage, 17α-hydroxylase and aromatase cytochromes P-450 was performed in 35 morphologically normal human premenopausal ovaries by using specific antibodies against the enzymes. In well-developed ovarian follicles in the late stages of follicular growth, immunoreactivity of P-450(AROM) was only seen in granulosa cells while P-450(17α) and P-450(SCC) activity was confined to theca interna cells, confirming that follicular oestrogen is produced in granulosa cells by the aromatization of androgens derived from the theca interna cells. In the corpus luteum, this functional differentiation is maintained, since immunoreactivity of P-450(AROM) was exclusively present in luteinized granulosa cells while that of P-450(17α) was present in luteinized theca cells. Immunoreactivity of P-450(SCC) was present in both types of cells in the corpus luteum.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)163-169
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Reproduction and Fertility
Volume85
Issue number1
StatePublished - 1989

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology
  • Embryology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Developmental Biology

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