Expression of messenger ribonucleic acid encoding steroidogenic enzymes in postmenopausal ovaries

Manubai Nagamani, Randall J. Urban

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To investigate expression of steroidogenic enzymes involved in androgen and estrogen synthesis in the stroma of postmenopausal ovaries. Methods: Ovarian stromal tissue samples were obtained at hysterectomy from postmenopausal women who had hysterectomy and oophorectomy. Tissues were frozen immediately in liquid nitrogen and kept frozen until RNA was extracted. Total RNA was examined by Northern blot analysis using 32P-labeled cDNA probes encoding human P450 side chain cleavage (P450SSC), P45017α, and cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom). Concentrations of mRNA encoding cytochrome P450SSC, cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase (CYP17), and P450arom were determined in the ovarian stroma. Results: We detected P450SSC mRNA in all postmenopausal ovaries studied. P450SSC mRNA was increased threefold in the ovarian stroma of postmenopausal women with endometrial cancer and endometrial hyperplasia. CYP17 mRNA was detected in the ovarian stroma of all women with endometrial cancer. P450arom mRNA was not detected in the ovaries studied. Conclusion: Postmenopausal ovaries possess enzymes for initiation of steroidogenesis. Enzymes essential for androgen synthesis were expressed in the ovarian stroma of postmenopausal women with endometrial cancer or hyperplasia.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)37-40
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation
Volume10
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2003

Keywords

  • CYP17
  • Endometrial cancer
  • Menopausal ovary
  • P450 hydroxylase
  • P450 side chain cleavage

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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