In-vitro metabolism of unconjugated androgens, oestrogens and the sulphate conjugates of androgens and oestrone by accessory sex organs of the mature domestic boar

Abstract

Minces of the prostate and seminal vesicles of the mature boar were incubated with the following major testicular steroids of the pig: [3H]dehydroepiandrosterone, [3H]5-androstene-3β,17β-diol, [3H]oestrone, [3H]oestradiol-17β and their respective sulphate conjugates (excluding oestradiol-17β). Incubations were also carried out with [3H]testosterone, [3H]5α-dihydrotestosterone and [3H]5α-androstanediols. Minces of the epididymides were incubated with [3H]dehydroepiandrosterone and [3H]oestrone sulphates. The prostate and seminal vesicles converted dehydroepiandrosterone predominantly to weak androgens, whereas 5-androstene-3β,17β-diol was primarily converted to testosterone; testosterone and its 5α-reduced metabolites were metabolized in a manner typical of androgen end target organs. Unconjugated oestrone and oestradiol-17β were interconverted by the prostate and seminal vesicles. The metabolism of C19 steroid sulphates was < 1% in all incubations; some oestrone sulphate, however, was converted to unconjugated oestrone and oestradiol, particularly by the caput epididymidis. The significance of these results is discussed in relation to recent studies in vivo.